Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
A baseline study on institutional readiness to implement the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) has identified critical gaps in knowledge, planning and capacity across Matabeleland North,Matabeleland South and Bulawayo Metropolitan provinces.
Presenting key findings from the SPEED Baseline Study (2026) at the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ) stakeholder engagement recently held in Bulawayo, economist Mr Steven Dlamini said average knowledge of NDS2 remains low.
According to the study, knowledge about the policy achieved a score below 2,5 out of 5, with information concentrated at provincial level and barely reaching ward-level actors and residents.
The study found formal training is the single most significant factor in improving knowledge, effectively doubling scores.
However, progress is hampered by a lack of plain-language and local-language materials in Ndebele, Shona, Tonga and other languages, particularly in border districts.
On planning, Mr Dlamini said only about 12 percent of institutions could present a Provincial
Development Plan (PDP) or Council Integrated Development Plan (IDP) clearly linked to NDS2 pillars and indicators.
Most plans predate NDS2, creating a major misalignment between local and national strategy.
Mr Dlamini said operational capacity is a strong predictor of service delivery, which is hampered by
shared vehicles, lack of spare parts for water pumps, grounded refuse trucks and clinic shortages across the three provinces.
He noted fiscal enablers matter, stressing that full and timely disbursement of devolution funds under Section 301 is critical.
For many councils, these funds determine whether they can run water pumps and stock clinics.
The brief also points to weak local data systems, with a significant lack of disaggregated data at ward and council levels.
Planning relies on old 2022 national averages that fail to capture realities in timber, livestock, vending and informal employment.
However, the study found citizen-generated data from residents’ associations on water and refuse collection is highly valued by councils and could strengthen provincial development plans.
“Participation, the inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities is inconsistent and only improves where local authorities deliberately create space through quotas and safe spaces,” said Mr Dlamini.
“Chiefs, headmen and village Heads are among the most trusted actors at ward level but have had limited involvement in NDS2 planning structures.
“The study flagged an underutilised youth bulge, with youth largely excluded from economic opportunities and budget consultations.”
He said collaboration is weak, with interaction between provincial offices and local authorities largely vertical reporting upwards with little horizontal sharing between councils and ministries.
“Emerging cross-cutting conflicts in mining, between large-scale and artisanal miners, and in the informal sector over vending space and taxation, need improved governance,” said Mr Dlamini.
“Private sector engagement is low, with few platforms for businesses to contribute to local development plans despite its potential as a driver of jobs and a service delivery partner.
“Climate risk is also not mainstreamed, with limited explicit climate adaptation plans in most local plans despite high vulnerability to drought and climate shocks affecting water and grazing.”
Mr Dlamini concluded that institutional readiness to implement NDS2 is at an early stage but
highly responsive to support.
He said aligning plans, enabling capacity, producing local data and strengthening collaboration can significantly improve service delivery, council revenue and social cohesion across the three provinces.
NDS 2 shifts the economy from stabilisation toward structural transformation, industrialisation, value addition and inclusive growth to achieve an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
