Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has taken a major step in strengthening its governance systems with the convening of a technical workshop on the development of the African Peer Review Mechanism National Programme of Action, aimed at translating the 2025 targeted review recommendations into action.
The country undertook a targeted review on economic governance and management in November 2025 and President Mnangagwa presented the findings to his peers during the last African Union Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February.
After the presentation, the APRM has since organised a workshop to translate the recommendations made by fellow States into action.
Speaking on behalf of the APRM National Focal Point, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, Chief Director (Multilateral) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Mrs Petronela Nyagura, said the workshop marked a crucial phase in the country’s APRM process.
“This workshop comes at a most opportune time as it marks a critical milestone in Zimbabwe’s continued engagement with the APRM. Zimbabwe is committed to the principles of accountable governance and continental peer review.
“We take pride in the progress realised thus far through the APRM’s support because this workshop builds upon the landmark Targeted Review Process on ‘Economic Governance and Management’ conducted in November 2025,” she said.
Mrs Nyagura said Zimbabwe’s active participation at the continental level was well received and they take equal pride in Zimbabwe’s participation in the 35th African Peer Review Forum, where the targeted review report was presented by President Mnangagwa.
“This process has yielded valuable outcomes and actionable recommendations to further strengthen our governance systems.
“Allow me, on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe and the APRM National Structures, to convey our profound appreciation to the APRM Continental Secretariat for its steadfast and unwavering support throughout our APRM journey.
“The technical expertise, strategic guidance and partnership extended during the Targeted Review Process and beyond have been instrumental,” she said.
Mrs Nyagura said the workshop signals the transition to implementation through the NPoA.
“While these achievements mark an important milestone, they equally signal the launching pad of a pivotal phase of the APRM process, which is the development of the National Programme of Action.
“It is through this strategic instrument that the findings and recommendations of the Targeted Review Report are translated into concrete, actionable and measurable interventions,” she said.
Mrs Nyagura said Zimbabwe’s engagement with the APRM is firmly rooted in the precepts of law as enshrined in Section 9 of the Constitution.
It mandates the State to enact and implement policies and legislation that ensure efficient, transparent and accountable governance at all levels.
Mrs Nyagura said the programme also aligns with national and continental development frameworks.
“Section 9 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe mandates the State to enact and implement policies and legislation that ensure efficient, transparent and accountable governance at all levels.
“Moreover, the development and implementation of the National Programme of Action aligns with Section 13 of the Constitution, which provides for national development, balanced resource allocation, and the participation of citizens in the formulation and implementation of development policies and programmes.
“This approach aligns well with the vision of the President Mnangagwa of “Leaving no one and no place behind” and resonates with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the aspirations of Agenda 2063 of the African union and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals towards Vision 2030.
“These frameworks collectively guide our pursuit of a prosperous, empowered and inclusive society for all.”
Mrs Nyagura urged stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the programme with openness, objectivity and a united resolve to strengthen Zimbabwe’s governance systems and advance the well-being of both present and future generations.
APRM director, Country Reviews and Assessment Directorate Dr Rachel Mukamunana, on behalf of the Continental Secretariat, commended Government for its continued commitment to the APRM values of good governance.
She said the commitment reflects a strong political will to deepen ongoing reforms, strengthen economic governance and advance inclusive and sustainable development in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.
Dr Mukamunana said the workshop marks an important milestone in the APRM process.
“You may recall that Zimbabwe’s targeted review report was peer-reviewed at the level of Heads of State and Government on 13 February 2026.
“That peer engagement reaffirmed the value of the APRM as a platform for candid dialogue among peers, grounded in national ownership and mutual accountability.
“We now move decisively from review to implementation,” she said.
Dr Mukamunana said the National Programme of Action represents the most consequential output of the APRM process.
She said it is the instrument through which peer review recommendations are translated into tangible reforms with measurable impact.
“More than a technical document, the NPoA is a statement of political commitment-linking assessment outcomes to policy action, institutional reform and development delivery,” said Dr Mukamunana.
She also reaffirmed the APRM’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe in moving from assessments to action.
