Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Writer
THE visiting African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Mission on Economic Governance and Management Review (EGMR) has commended the Government of Zimbabwe for its resilience and determination in addressing citizens’ needs despite the impact of Western sanctions.
The APRM EGMR delegation made a stopover at Chirumhanzu Rural District Council for a stakeholder engagement, gathering perceptions from civil society, churches, the media, the private sector and other groups on governance and development issues affecting communities.
The consultations will be conducted across all provinces as part of the ongoing review.
Zimbabwe has endured more than two decades of illegal economic sanctions imposed by the United States, Britain and their allies — measures the Government says were intended to reverse the gains of the land reform programme.
Lead member, Ambassador Aly El-Hefny from Egypt, commended Zimbabwe for demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of the illegally imposed sanctions by Britain and its allies.
“The country’s ability to endure and progress despite external pressures serves as an example for other African nations. Other countries will find many lessons to learn from you and emulate, particularly how you overcame those harsh challenges when sanctions were imposed on you,” he said.
Amb El-Hefny said other nations are eager and interested to know how Zimbabwe has succeeded in confronting these injustices.
The Ambassador noted that under the Second Republic, Zimbabwe has shown a remarkable capacity to advance and focus on the future rather than dwell on past hardships.
“Today, you are building the Zimbabwe of today and tomorrow. The APRM team is in the Midlands Province to collect data, listen to citizens and assess the current state of governance and development in Zimbabwe as part of the ongoing targeted review on economic governance and management,” he said.
Addressing the same meeting, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, said the findings from the review will be compiled into a report to be presented by President Mnangagwa to the APRM Forum of Heads of State and Government in February next year.
Amb Chimbindi indicated that the APRM is a unique initiative of the African union that promotes good governance, transparency and sustainable development across the continent.
“The President’s decision to accede to the APRM reflects his constitutionalist philosophy, one that embraces transparency, inclusivity, equity and the continuous strengthening of institutions as the foundation of national progress,” he said.
Amb Chimbindi told the meeting that the Second Republic is committed to improving the livelihoods of the people in line with Vision 2030.
“We want to continuously improve for the betterment of the people of Zimbabwe so that they can enjoy access to basic human needs,” he said.
Secretary for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Edgar Seenza, said the province had shared a comprehensive record of its development projects with the APRM delegation.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress being made towards achieving Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
“We are happy with what people are doing to drive economic development and achieve Vision 2030,” said Dr Seenza.
Chirumhanzu Ward 21 Councillor, Gladys Chivige, said the consultations provide a valuable opportunity for communities to exchange ideas with the APRM teams.
“These engagements help us learn from the teams while also giving us a platform to share our own perspectives,” she said.
Chirumhanzu Ward 14 Councillor, Tendai Mandiopera, echoed similar sentiments.
“This is a wonderful process that broadens our understanding of what is happening in the country and helps us share ideas on how we can improve our economy together,” he said.
Johanne the Fifth Africa International Church member, Mr Kurauone Magwaza, described the exercise as an important process that amplifies community voices and fosters continental growth.
“It highlights the development we are experiencing, which might not be known by others.
“This process allows us to share what we are doing right so that others can learn, and also helps us identify areas for improvement,” he said.
