Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
President Mnangagwa’s unwavering support and decision to accede to the African Peer Review Mechanism have lent the Zimbabwean Chapter both credibility and momentum, officials have said.
Speaking during the APRM National Governing Council’s quarterly meeting in Harare yesterday, APRM National Focal Point Person Ambassador Albert Chimbindi expressed gratitude to the President, saying the achievements made so far mark the beginning of an equally important phase.
President Mnangagwa officially launched the APRM last month, following the successful completion of a targeted review on economic governance and management in November last year. Yesterday’s meeting was the second since the one held in March last year.
“As we acknowledge these achievements, it is important to recognise that they have been made possible, led by the unwavering vision and leadership of His Excellency, the President, Dr Mnangagwa,” Ambassador Chimbindi said.
“His personal commitment to the principles of the APRM has lent our Chapter both credibility and momentum. To him, we are deeply grateful.”
He added: “While we celebrate our achievements, we must also recognise that the APRM is a continuous and evolving process. The completion of the review, the development of the National Programme of Action, and the successful launch of the APRM are significant milestones, but they also mark the beginning of an equally important phase.”
Ambassador Chimbindi urged National Governing Council members to sustain the momentum that has been created, providing the leadership, oversight and collective commitment required to ensure that the APRM process continues to deliver meaningful and lasting results.
Chairperson of the APRM National Governing Council Ambassador James Manzou described the targeted peer review mission as a significant achievement for Zimbabwe, demonstrating the Government and stakeholders’ commitment to strengthening good governance, accountability and sustainable development.
“Distinguished members of the Governing Council, the journey since our last meeting in 2025 has therefore been both demanding and historic,” Ambassador Manzou said.
“Historic in the sense that this was our first review. So, Zimbabwe has moved from the Targeted Review Mission, through validation and peer review, to the development of the National Action Programme.
“This progress represents a significant achievement for Zimbabwe and demonstrates the commitment of Government and all stakeholders to strengthening good governance, accountability, and sustainable development through the APRM framework.
“We have, throughout this journey, been learning a lot of things. Even when you look back from where we are, you will see that there are a lot of things that we can share that we learned. As I said, an organisation that does not learn will not grow, and we want to grow.
“We never know what His Excellency the President will give us as the next project. Although we did very well, as the National Focal Point has said, on this one, we want to even do better.”
Giving remarks during the meeting, chief director in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services and National Governing Council member Mr Jonathan Gandari thanked President Mnangagwa for showing courage in acceding to the APRM.
“Profound gratitude, as we draw closer to the end of this session, to the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr Mnangagwa, for his vision and leadership and the immense courage that he showed when he acceded to the African Peer Review Mechanism. Perhaps in that regard, he was trailblazing,” Mr Gandari said.
He also expressed gratitude to Zimbabweans and other stakeholders who participated and contributed during the review mission.
“We also would like to offer our gratitude and appreciation to the hardworking citizens of Zimbabwe, who travel day in and day out and count in their numbers during public engagements to boldly share their lived experiences, their realities that shaped the true narrative of the report. For that reason, we are indebted to this community of service,” he said.
Mr Gandari also thanked APRM NGC members Ambassador James Manzou, National Focal Point Person Ambassador Chimbindi, and APRM interim chief executive officer Ambassador Rofina Chikava for their roles during the review mission.
“We also would like to thank you, members of the National Governing Council, for mobilising communities, resources and leadership at provincial level. That calls for rare qualities of being friendly, approachable, affable and likeable. For that reason, I would like to extend this appreciation to each one of you in your individual capacity and to all of us in our collective capacity.”
The meeting was attended by several permanent secretaries for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, representatives from universities, and other stakeholders.
