Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike-Senior Reporter
THE African Peer Review Mechanism delegation, led by Ambassador Aly El-Hefny, has commended Zimbabweans and development partners for their candid contributions during a targeted review of economic governance and management.
The delegation has been in Zimbabwe since November 3 and is set to conclude its mission today with a meeting with President Mnangagwa.
Addressing legislators at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden yesterday, Ambassador El-Hefny expressed gratitude for the warm reception the delegation received during its interactions with various sectors of society.
Ambassador El-Hefny expressed gratitude for the warm reception the delegation received during its interactions with various sectors of society.
He noted that the inputs from Zimbabweans helped shape the team’s inquiries for the provincial missions.
“It is a profound honour to address this important institution during our ongoing substantive review of economic governance in Zimbabwe,” said Ambassador El-Hefny.
“We meet at a critical moment following extensive engagements across the country that provided us with valuable insights into the realities, expectations, and aspirations of the Zimbabwean people.”
The visit focused on broad consultations with stakeholders, aligning with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy that no one should be left behind.
The targeted review team travelled extensively, engaging with Government officials, traditional leaders, private sector representatives, academics, civil society groups, youth, women and community representatives.
Ambassador El-Hefny said their aim has been to develop evidence-based insights reflecting the strengths, challenges, innovations and opportunities in Zimbabwe’s economic governance.
The delegation also interacted directly with citizens affected by policy implementation at the grassroots level, listening to farmers striving to enhance productivity, entrepreneurs navigating the informal sector, mining communities seeking equitable resource governance, local councils working to improve transparency, and youth eager to participate in economic transformation.
Prior to the provincial missions, high-level consultations were held in Harare with key players from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society organisations.
These discussions offered valuable perspectives on national policy priorities, institutional reforms, fiscal management, service delivery, public accountability, and the broader macroeconomic environment.
Ambassador El-Hefny acknowledged the contributions from various ministries, private entities, regulated bodies, business chambers, civil society networks and academic institutions, stating that these inputs helped shape the team’s lines of inquiry for the provincial missions.
The delegation also interacted directly with citizens affected by policy implementation at the grassroots level, listening to farmers striving to enhance productivity, entrepreneurs navigating the informal sector, mining communities seeking equitable resource governance, local councils working to improve transparency, and youth eager to participate in economic transformation.
Ambassador El-Hefny said these voices provided crucial insights into how national policies are translating on the ground.
After their visit to Parliament, the team toured the University of Zimbabwe’s research, innovation, and industrialisation hubs, further engaging with the potential for development in the country.
The team noted both innovative local development initiatives and major concerns regarding inflationary pressures, currency stability, public service delivery, access to capital and the need for strengthened institutional oversight.
APRM Zimbabwe Focal Point Ambassador Albert Chimbindi praised President Mnangagwa for his decision to engage with the APRM process.
He said this commitment is a clear endorsement of democracy, good governance, transparency and sustainable development.
“This reflection also is meant to assess progress in promoting democracy, economic management, and social development.
“It allows countries to identify and acknowledge their achievements and areas that require further improvement,” Ambassador Chimbindi said.
After their visit to Parliament, the team toured the University of Zimbabwe’s research, innovation, and industrialisation hubs, further engaging with the potential for development in the country.
