Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Committee of Heads of State and Government participating in the African Peer Review Mechanism, paving the way for an assessment mission by the review team.
The MoU was signed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira and APRM Eminent Person and Panel Lead Member for Zimbabwe, Ambassador Aly El Hefny.
Prof Murwira also handed Ambassador Hefny the country’s self-assessment report compiled by a technical team from the University of Zimbabwe.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Ambassador Rofina Chikava, the interim chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe APRM Secretariat.
An APRM delegation comprising representatives from other African countries that are members of the peer review forum also attended the signing ceremony.
The APRM seeks to promote good governance through self-assessment, constructive dialogue, and peer learning among member States.
The review process provides an opportunity for participating countries to evaluate their policies and practices in areas such as democracy, political governance, economic management and corporate governance.
Through the review, Zimbabwe aims to strengthen institutional frameworks, enhance accountability, and align national development strategies with continental and global governance standards.
It is also expected to foster transparency, citizen participation, and sustainable socio-economic growth.
President Mnangagwa acceded to the voluntary self-monitoring framework of the African union (AU) during the 29th Session of the APR Forum of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2020.
In his remarks at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Hefny said the MoU formalises and renews shared commitment to advance good governance, transparency, and particularly development, as enshrined in the founding instruments of the African union and the APRM.
Amb Hefny indicated that the signing of MoU is not only a procedure of formality, but a tangible demonstration of partnership and mutual accountability.
“It establishes the framework for collaboration between the APRM and the Government of Zimbabwe throughout the review process and reflects Zimbabwe’s continual confidence in the APRM as an African-owned and African-led mechanism for dialogue, peer learning, and reform.
“Through this agreement, Zimbabwe reaffirms its commitment to evidence-based self-assessment and to the enduring values of transparency, inclusiveness, and innovation that are at the heart of our agency,” he said.
Amb Hefny said since November 3, the APRM delegation has conducted extensive engagements across Zimbabwe with key stakeholders, including the public sector, private sector, media, youth and movement organisations, academia, and think tanks.
The consultations have provided rich insights into the country’s economic governance landscape.
