Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
THE African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Panel of Eminent Persons, led by Lead Panel Member for Zimbabwe Ambassador Aly-Henfy, today paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira at his offices in Harare ahead of the official opening of the APRM review mission later in the day.
Zimbabwe is hosting the APRM Panel of Eminent Persons until November 18, as part of a mission aimed at assessing the country’s governance performance, identifying areas for improvement and strengthening strategies to enhance economic management, attract investment and deepen regional integration.
The visit marks another milestone in Zimbabwe’s active participation in the continental governance assessment process, following its accession to the African Union’s voluntary self-monitoring framework during the 29th Session of the APRM Forum of Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2020.
During the courtesy call, Minister Murwira was represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Zimbabwe’s APRM Focal Point, Ambassador Albert Ranganai Chimbindi.
Also present were the chairperson of the National Governing Council, Ambassador James Manzou, and the interim chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe APRM Secretariat, Ambassador Rofina Chikava.
Speaking during the engagement, Ambassador Chimbindi said the visit demonstrated Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
He conveyed the Government’s appreciation to Ambassador Aly-Henfy and the APRM Continental Secretariat for their continued support and partnership, which he said had been instrumental in preparing Zimbabwe for this important milestone in its APRM journey.
Ambassador Chimbindi reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s dedication to upholding the principles of good governance as fundamental pillars of democracy, peace, and sustainable national development.
He noted that Zimbabwe’s “Open for Business” policy is closely aligned with the APRM’s Economic Governance and Management thematic area, reflecting the Government’s commitment to reform, transparency, and accountability while fostering economic stability, investment attraction, and sustainable growth.
“This policy seeks to strengthen institutions responsible for economic management and fiscal discipline, enhance transparency and accountability in public administration, and promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic diversification, particularly among youth and women,” he said.
Ambassador Chimbindi further highlighted that the APRM remains a vital instrument in guiding African nations toward inclusive growth, stability, and sustainable development — goals that align with President Mnangagwa’s vision of “Leaving no one and no place behind” and the national development blueprint, Vision 2030.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing Targeted Review would spotlight Zimbabwe’s progress, best practices and its continued pursuit of people-centred governance, as well as reaffirm its determination to work collaboratively with the APRM and other member states in advancing Africa’s shared goals of unity, prosperity, and sustainable development.
Ambassador Aly-Henfy commended Zimbabwe for its decision to be part of the APRM.
“Together, we can deliver a review that not only identifies challenges but also highlights Zimbabwe’s achievements and innovations in economic governance,” he said.
“Our citizens around the world will be very much interested in knowing more about the report and about how Zimbabwe is moving forward on the path of governance, good governance, in so many ways and this is our main task here, to work together with the Zimbabwe government in such a way that we can send the right message to everybody.
“Zimbabwe is coming to full speed and full strength to have its own leading role within the continent in the field of governance.”
