Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
The successful African Peer Review Mechanism targeted process conducted in November last year is a clear demonstration of President Mnangagwa’s leadership and commitment to transparency, accountability and sound economic governance.
Speaking at the official opening of the draft report on the APRM targeted review on economic governance and management validation workshop in Masvingo, Acting Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Willard Manungo said the process underscored Zimbabwe’s resolve to uphold good governance.
Dr Manungo, who was the guest of honour, emphasised the need for citizens to take charge when telling the Zimbabwean story.
“I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate ourselves, Zimbabwe, for the successful completion of the APRM targeting review mechanism on economic governance and management, which was undertaken on November 1 and November 19 last year.
“This achievement stands as a clear demonstration of President Mnangagwa’s resolute commitment to the principles of good governance, accountability, transparency and a fair review.
“The successful completion of the mission further reflects the collective efforts of Government institutions, all stakeholders across the various sectors, our partners, all who have been dedicated towards ensuring a credible, inclusive and consultative process in us being able to articulate Zimbabwe’s story,” he said.
Dr Manungo said the validation workshop, which started on January 5, is of strategic importance as it provides an opportunity to rigorously verify facts, data and policy positions contained in the draft report.
He said the process ensures that the final document accurately reflects national realities, achievements, shortfalls and informed priorities.
“This exercise enhances ownership of the report. It strengthens its utility as a policy and a focus group.
“So it’s not just a mere compliance exercise. It is therefore imperative that the preparation of this workshop remain robust, constructive and united by our national shared commitment to overall economic development,” he said.
Dr Manungo called for strengthened institutional linkages between the APRM and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
“So in this regard, I wish to underscore the importance of further strengthening the institutional linkage between the APRM and the NEPAD within our national architecture.”
He said harmonising APRM processes with NEPAD initiatives would enhance policy coherence and coordination.
“It will also ensure that governance issues are directly linked to sustainable development, planning, implementation and monitoring frameworks at our national level.”
Dr Manungo said the APRM aligns with national development aspirations as articulated in Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030.
“And this is anchored in good governance, it’s anchored in accountability, it’s anchored in transparency, and as His Excellency continues to emphasise, it’s also anchored in inclusive growth that will ensure that all citizens of Zimbabwe, are impressed in the journey towards the realisation of their dreams.”
He said the process also aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 in promoting effective institutions, sound economic governance and social cohesion.
“Equally important, the idea that is a part of our instrument for domestication and the implementation of Agenda 2063 for the Africa we all want.
“Agenda 2063 envisions an Africa that is well governed, that is democratic, that is peaceful and driven by its people,” he said.
Dr Manungo said through the APRM, Zimbabwe is contributing to continental efforts to uphold shared values and collective accountability.
He urged participants to engage with patriotism, professionalism and shared responsibility.
“Let us collectively ensure that the final APRM report reaches as a credible, accurate and forward-looking document that will meaningfully inform policy reforms and in that way advancing Zimbabwe’s development aspirations.”
APRM Focal Point Person Ambassador Albert Chimbindi said the draft report was anchored on an in-depth analysis of the six objectives of the Economic Governance and Management thematic area.
