Story by Tafara Chikumira
THE official launch of Zimbabwe’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) chapter has been hailed as a major governance milestone after the country secured 11 distinctions out of 14 during its peer review assessment.
The launch marks Zimbabwe’s formal institutionalisation of the APRM, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability and peer review among African Union member states, while supporting the country’s reintegration efforts and investment drive.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Professor Amon Murwira said Zimbabwe’s performance reflected the country’s commitment to good governance under President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“We are not, as a country, afraid of seeing ourselves in the mirror. We are not afraid of ourselves anymore. From the review scoreboard, we managed to clinch 11 distinctions out of 14. Through His Excellency’s leadership, we have recorded major milestones, with our export receipts exceeding US$16 billion. Through our leader, we are proving that the future of our country and the continent is being scripted by us,” he said.
The country’s admission into the APRM was also commended as recognition of its progress in governance, accountability and sustainable development.
Acting Director General for African Minerals Development Mrs Claudine Sigam said Zimbabwe’s governance reforms and development policies provide valuable lessons for other African countries.
“Zimbabwe has shown some massive commitment to issues of governance, which are critical for African member states. The country has shown accountable leadership to the people through heritage-based education in universities, which can be inspiring to other African countries. Education 5.0 is moving communities. These are signs of sound leadership. Mineral beneficiation offers lessons for Africa. We have seen countries where minerals are mined struggling in the past, but in Zimbabwe, you have managed to turn over a new leaf,” she said.
APRM Member in Charge of Zimbabwe Dr Thelma Awore said the successful completion of the review process demonstrates the country’s commitment to improving governance and the welfare of its citizens.
“Zimbabwe’s launch of the APRM shows commitment to good governance and to improving the lives of the people. Zimbabwe’s progress is commendable. The country has completed the peer review demands, showing the government’s commitment to accountable leadership,” she said.
The launch of Zimbabwe’s APRM chapter further reinforces the Second Republic’s commitment to strengthening continental cooperation, good governance and people-centred development in line with the African Union’s vision of a united and prosperous Africa.
