Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) has intensified calls for stronger national data systems and broader collaboration as the Government, UN agencies and technical partners met in Harare to review the 2025 data programme cycle and prepare priorities for next year.
Speaking on behalf of ZimStat director-general Mrs Tafadzwa Bandama, director of Demography and Social Statistics Mr Aluwisio Mukavhi said the country must modernise its statistical infrastructure and strengthen partnerships to effectively monitor National Development Strategy (NDS) priorities.
“The room was established primarily for the use of old machines, as opposed to the ability to use any of the existing engines and the ability to use applications of AI,” she said.
Mrs Bandama said Zimbabwe’s monitoring framework requires a “closed data case” capable of tracking indicators across NDS1, NDS2 and future strategies, noting that effective implementation depends on uniform data standards and collaboration across all sectors.
She said the technical working group has evolved significantly since its first meeting in 2015, which brought together 25 specialists, including engineers enlisted through the innovation waiting list.
Mrs Bandama said planners and statisticians continue to assess achievements, review training agreements, address challenges and outline next steps in strengthening national data systems.
“As we progress, we continue to foster partnerships, and our doors remain open for collaboration,” she said.
Mrs Bandama commended the United Nations for continued support, particularly UNFPA for supplying quality data and reducing maintenance gaps.
UNFPA deputy representative Mr Aboubakar Cisse said Zimbabwe had made progress in harmonising data systems through a decentralised platform that brings together ministries, agencies, academia, development partners, the private sector and civil society.
“This platform is pivotal in harmonising our data reports, reducing duplication and addressing the data gaps that influence the monitoring of national priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Development Strategy frameworks,” he said.
Dr Cisse said the meeting marked the “final stretch” of the 2025 data programme cycle and allowed partners to assess progress and set concrete priorities for the 2026 data agenda in line with national planning requirements under NDS2 and commitments under the UN Cooperation Framework.
He said the session also enabled a review of the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics as the NDS1 2021–2025 cycle ends, providing an opportunity to shape the roadmap for NDS2 2026–2030, which will guide statistical development for the next five years.
Dr Cisse commended ZimStat’s leadership and the contribution of ministries, cluster chairs and development partners throughout the year and said collective efforts had strengthened the NDS2 framework and reinforced national data capacity.
“We look forward to the validation of our consolidated 2025 progress report and establishing a solid foundation for the 2026 DSDI balance plan,” he said.
