Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE is ready to share its experiences, successful initiatives and development models with the rest of Africa as part of efforts to advance prosperity across the continent, President Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking at the launch of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Zimbabwe Chapter in Harare yesterday, the President said the country’s home-grown solutions and policy interventions had yielded positive results and could contribute to the broader African development agenda.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the Land Reform Programme, performance contracting for senior Government officials, Heritage-Based Education 5.0, Village Business Units and monetary policy reforms.
APRM is a voluntary African-led self-monitoring mechanism established by the African union in 2003 to assess governance and socio-economic development among participating member States.
“I am encouraged that Zimbabwe’s Targeted Review Report highlights practices and home-grown solutions implemented by my Government in response to our national realities, while contributing to Africa’s broader development agenda,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Among the commendable practices we have adopted and operationalised are transformative leadership, the Land Reform Programme, performance contracting, innovation under Heritage Based-Education 5.0, Village Business
Units under Rural Development 8.0 Model and Monetary Policy Revitalisation: ‘Back-to-Basics ‘.”
President Mnangagwa commended the APRM for guiding Zimbabwe during the targeted review process under which the country was assessed on economic governance and management.
“Your assistance and critical guidance proved invaluable during the targeted review process, which we undertook under the theme of ‘Economic Governance and Management’,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said teamwork and synergies reflect the enduring spirit of Pan-Africanism and should be nurtured to further strengthen the African Peer Review Mechanism.
“Today’s (yesterday’s) ceremony marks an important landmark in Zimbabwe’s journey under the African Peer Review Mechanism. This Forum is a uniquely African home-grown initiative that embodies Africa’s commitment to mutual accountability, self-assessment, as well as continuous improvement in governance and development,” he said.
The President said Zimbabwe’s continued participation in the APRM process since voluntarily acceding to the mechanism in February 2020 demonstrated its commitment to good governance, sustainable development and the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
“We are dedicated to the collective pursuit of good governance, sustainable development and the realisation of the aspirations of Agenda 2063. The APRM aligns with our nation’s Vision 2030 and current economic blueprint, the
National Development Strategy 2, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
“These blueprints continue to guide the people of Zimbabwe in our ongoing pursuit to become a prosperous, empowered and inclusive upper middle-income society.”
The President also noted that Zimbabwe’s engagement with the APRM dovetailed with provisions of the Constitution that promote transparency, accountability and regional cooperation.
Section 9 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe mandates the State to adopt and implement policies and legislation that promote efficient, transparent and accountable governance, at every level.
Similarly, Section 12 (2) of the Constitution underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to pursue foreign policies that promote regional and continental cooperation, peace and economic development, said President Mnangagwa.
“In this spirit, our collaboration embodies these principles in practice and also reflects our long-standing belief in African-led solutions for African challenges,” he said.
The President said Zimbabwe valued democracy, unity, peace and security as essential pillars for sustainable development.
“The acceptance by my Administration to be reviewed, therefore, amplifies our pledge to the citizenry that we are a people-centred Government. Their voices matter; hence, our institutions and policies are open to analysis and improvement.
“Governance is not static, but ever-changing. As such, the Second Republic is ready to continually evolve, in line with the needs and national interest of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged all stakeholders to actively participate in APRM processes, saying the mechanism was not solely for Government but for all Zimbabweans.
“The mechanism is a vital tool for inclusive growth and sustainable socio-economic development. It aligns with our development philosophy, ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo’,” he said.
“I, therefore, call upon all stakeholders, Government ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, and ordinary citizens to continue actively participating and engaging in the APRM processes.”
The President also congratulated Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who was represented by Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, on assuming the Chairmanship of the African Peer Review Forum of Heads of State and Government.
“I congratulate you, Honourable Vice President, on your country’s assumption of Chair of this important continental initiative.
“Zimbabwe is confident that under your country’s stewardship, headway will be made towards advancing the values and principles of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM),” he said.
President Mnangagwa also thanked Uganda for supporting Zimbabwe’s successful election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
“May I take this opportunity of your presence to thank, through you, His Excellency President Museveni as well as the government and people of Uganda for their support in Zimbabwe’s recent election for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the period 2027-2028,” he said.
“We appreciate your country’s steadfast solidarity towards advancing the global peace and security agenda.”
Yesterday’s event was attended by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Cabinet ministers, legislators, development partners and APRM officials, among other dignitaries.
