Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike, Senior Zimpapers Writer
A delegation from the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Panel of Eminent Persons, led by Lead Panel Member for Zimbabwe, Ambassador Aly-El Henfy, will today tour some of the Second Republic’s flagship infrastructure projects in Harare.
The delegation will visit the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the Trabablas Interchange and the Museum of African Liberation, as part of their ongoing targeted review mission, which runs from November 3 to 18.
They are being accompanied by Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, who is also the APRM Zimbabwe Focal Point, Chairperson of the National Governing Council Ambassador James Manzou and Interim chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe APRM Secretariat, Ambassador Rofina Chikava.
Following the infrastructure tour, the Panel will hold discussions with key stakeholders including the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, Bankers Association of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Farmers Union, Zimbabwe Council for Tourism, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Zimbabwe.
Ambassador Henfy said the targeted review will assess five key objectives under the Economic Governance and Management thematic area, each forming part of Zimbabwe’s efforts towards sustainable economic transformation and good governance.
These include the formulation and implementation of economic policies that promote sustainable development, co-ordination and alignment of economic strategies with national and continental goals, and enhanced stakeholder participation in policy formulation.
The review will also examine public financial management systems to ensure transparency and prudent use of resources, mechanisms to combat money laundering and illicit financial flows, and efforts to accelerate regional economic integration through trade and investment policies.
Addressing focus groups from civil organisations yesterday, Ambassador Henfy said: “Your presence reaffirms the inclusiveness that lies at the heart of the African Peer Review Council.
“This engagement is designed to capture the perspectives of civil society, the voice of the people on economic governance and management in Zimbabwe.
“The APRM recognises that transparency, participation and citizen oversight are central pillars of good governance.”
He added that they seek to learn from their experiences in budget monitoring, service delivery, anti-corruption advocacy and community empowerment.
The role of civil society organisations in promoting transparency and public participation in economic policy formulation is important, said Ambassador Henfy.
Civil society organisations play a key role in monitoring public expenditure and promoting accountability, driving Government spending reviews to detect inefficiencies or misuse of funds, and strengthening fiscal discipline and accountability to the public.
Added Ambassador Henfy: “We commend your openness and professionalism and look forward to continued collaboration as we work together for transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance.”
