Story by Theophilus Chuma
Government says it will review progress under the National Development Strategy One after adopting a mid-term review concept presented to cabinet this Tuesday.
After two years of implementation, government is keeping a check on the effectiveness and efficiency of the country’s economic blueprint.
In a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare this Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Senator Monica Mutsvangwa revealed that government had adopted a concept note on the National Development Strategy One.
“Cabinet considered and adopted the Concept Note on the National Development Strategy 1: 2021-2025 (NDS 1) Mid-Term Review, as presented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Honourable Professor Mthuli Ncube. Citizens will be aware that the NDS 1 is in its third year of implementation, with its mid-term falling on 30 June 2023. There has been significant progress in the implementation of the Strategy as evidenced by a GDP growth of 8.5% registered in 2021, against a target of 5%. Several key projects have also been implemented, notwithstanding the negative impacts of endogenous and exogenous factors including COVID-19, Eastern Europe tensions, and inflation and exchange rate instability. A documentary showcasing the impact of the NDS1 in uplifting the standard of living of people will be put together for the benefit of all stakeholders,” said the Minister.
She added, “Regular monitoring and evaluation reports, including a Mid-Term Review and a Terminal Evaluation Report, are necessary to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the NDS 1. The Mid-Term Review will include two major components, namely: 1. Performance of the NDS 1 Planned Outcomes Review, which will focus on assessing the extent to which the planned outcomes of the Strategy have been realised across the 14 Thematic Working Groups during the past two years of implementation; and 2. Process Review which will focus on assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Coordinating Structures of NDS 1.”
Effectively this entails effective data analysis using appropriate tools to assess the blueprints outcomes to establish whether the outcomes are on track.
Government has also set in motion preparations for 63rd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
Said Minister Mutsvangwa, “Cabinet received an update on the 2023 International Trade Fair which was presented by the Minister of Industry and Commerce Honourable Dr. Sekai Nzenza. The 63rd Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Exhibition will be held in Bulawayo from 25 to 29 April 2023, under the theme “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness”.
“The nation is being advised that a total of 363 exhibitors have so far booked exhibition space, and there will be 45 new exhibitors. Nine foreign nations have booked exhibition stands, and these include Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Belarus, Britain, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan,” said Senator Mutsvangwa.
The main highlights of the Fair will include exclusive business days from 25 to 27 April; the ZITF International Business Conference will be on 27 April; the ZITF Diplomats Forum and Connect Africa Symposium will be on 27 April; the Official Opening Ceremony and the ZNCC Business Luncheon which will be on 28 April; and the public/open days will be on 28 and 29 April.
During the same meeting, government also announced the venue for this year’s Independence Day Celebrations.
Minister Mutsvangwa announced, “Cabinet received an update on the 2023 Independence Day Celebrations which was presented by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable July Moyo. The venue of the 2023 Children’s Party and Independence Day Celebrations on 17 and 18 April will be Mt. Darwin Centre, in Mashonaland Central Province. The decentralisation of this august national event is in line with the Second Republic’s devolution agenda, and the ethos of “Leaving No One and No Place Behind”.
“Mt. Darwin is important and entrenched in the annals of the country’s liberation history since it was the entry point for both the Zimbabwe National Liberation Army (ZANLA) and the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) as they launched an offensive into the Front when the liberation struggle entered its decisive phase,” she noted.
Government also outlined plans to host the Cop15 meeting on Wetlands as it moves to amplify global awareness to safeguard natural ecosystems.
“The nation is being informed that the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry intends to host the 15th Conference of Parties in 2025 in the prime tourist destination of Victoria Falls. The hosting of COP 15 will spur the Second Republic’s international community re-engagement and engagement agenda and prove that the country is a peaceful, stable, growing and attractive international travel destination.
“The resort City of Victoria Falls is evidence that the country is committed to sustainable utilization and conservation of natural resources. Furthermore, the event will provide local tourism players with a platform to market the country as a tourist destination and attract foreign investment. The country will also take advantage of COP 15 to extend its influence and leadership on the global stage in environmental governance, stewardship and diplomacy.”
