Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira-Senior Reporter
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.
President Mnangagwa delivers his keynote address at the official launch of the African Peer Review Mechanism Chapter Report in Mt Hampden yesterday. — Pictures: Memory Mangombe.
In his address, President Mnangagwa said he was encouraged that Zimbabwe’s Targeted Review Report highlights practices and home-grown solutions implemented by Government in response to national realities, while contributing to Africa’s broader development agenda.
“Among the commendable practices we have adopted and operationalised include, 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,’” said President Mnangagwa.
He 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’.
“The 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.
President Mnangagwa follows proceedings at the official launch of the African Peer Review Mechanism Chapter Report in Mt Hampden yesterday. At the top table with him are Ugandan Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo (third from left), Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga (second left), Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri (far left), Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira (fourth from right), Acting Director-General of the African Minerals Development Centre Mrs Claudine Sigam (third from right), Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo (second right), and Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya (right).
Zimbabwe’s continued participation in the APRM process since voluntarily acceding to the mechanism in February 2020, he said, 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.
“These blueprints continue to guide the people of Zimbabwe in our ongoing pursuit to become a prosperous, empowered and inclusive upper middle-income society,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said 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.
President Mnangagwa is welcomed by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga (right), Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda (centre) and other Government officials at the official launch of the African Peer Review Mechanism Chapter Report in Mt Hampden yesterday.
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.
“In this spirit, our collaboration embodies these principles in practice and also reflects our long-standing belief in African-led solutions for African challenges,” President Mnangagwa said.
Zimbabwe, he said, 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,” said President Mnangagwa.
“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 urged all stakeholders to actively participate in APRM processes, saying the mechanism was not solely for Government, but for all Zimbabweans.
President Mnangagwa converses with Ugandan Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo and Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda (left) ahead of the proceedings.
“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’.
“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,” President Mnangagwa said.
He 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.
Members of the diplomatic corps follow proceedings at the ceremony.
“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),” President Mnangagwa said.
He 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.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda (left) chats with his Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs counterpart, Ziyambi Ziyambi at the event.
“We appreciate your country’s steadfast solidarity towards advancing the global peace and security agenda,” said President Mnangagwa.
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.
