Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
THE digital portal is key to transforming Zimbabwe’s development agenda by enabling data-driven policies, fostering transparency, and accelerating progress towards Vision 2030.
These remarks were made by United Nations Country Representative Mr Edward Kallon during the official launch of Zimbabwe’s Open Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Data Portal in Harare on Wednesday.
“The launch of the Zimbabwe Open SDG Data Portal is more than just a technical achievement.
“It is a strategic milestone signaling Zimbabwe’s deep commitment to an evidence-based development path that is inclusive and transparent,” Mr Kallon said.
He noted that the global progress towards the 2030 Agenda is lagging, with only 17 percent of SDG targets on track, while 17 percent have regressed and 18 percent remain stagnant.
Mr Kallon said this made Zimbabwe’s launch timely and crucial.
“This platform allows us to identify where we are succeeding, where we are falling short, and most importantly, how we can respond with speed and precision,” he said.
“Data is no longer a luxury—it is a strategic asset. Let us move forward together to turn data into action and action into impact.”
The portal serves as a central, publicly accessible platform for SDG indicators, data visualisation tools, and policy resources.
It will support government institutions, civil society, and communities in monitoring and measuring Zimbabwe’s development efforts across critical sectors including education, health, energy and climate resilience.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Permanent Secretary Mr Simon Masanga, who represented the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, said the portal was essential for national transformation.
“Open and high-quality data are the lifeblood of accountability, transparency and policy action,” Mr Masanga said.
“The last few years have reminded us that without real-time and interoperable data systems, we cannot steer national development effectively.”
Masanga emphasised the importance of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), which the portal will help to integrate and enhance.
“VLRs bring out community-level insights, and when aligned with VNRs, they help create a stronger, more inclusive national development story,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mr Masanga said Zimbabwe will focus on capacity building, inclusive data participation, and strong governance to ensure the portal remains updated and impactful.
The United Nations pledged continued support to strengthen Zimbabwe’s data ecosystem and help deliver on the promise of sustainable, inclusive development.
