Story by Stanely James, Business Editor
A Mid-Term review outcomes report of the National Development Strategy One (NDS1) has been finalised as the government tracks progress and possible interventions.
The NDS1 (2021 to 2025), was launched three years ago with the key focus being on sustained socio-economic growth for Zimbabwe in line with Vision 2030.
While replacing the Transitional Stabilisation Programme inaugurated by the Second Republic in 2018, the government introduced a monitoring and evaluation system to track progress.
The Deputy Chief Secretary for Policy Analysis, Coordination, and Development Planning in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr Willard Manungo confirmed a mid-term review report has been finalised and will soon be unveiled to the public.
“There is a lot that has been happening relating to the first blueprint that is in motion. As the government, we have now reached a halfway stage within the NDS1 and it is our thrust to track progress. So, very soon, the outcomes report will be unveiled and it will help economic planners on what can be done and also map out possible recommendations that will enable the government to forge ahead with the blueprint in the long term. As the government, we are working towards ensuring that it becomes a great success,” said Mr Manungo.
Development economist, Dr. Prosper Chitambara described the NDS 1 review as an indication of the government’s commitment to its success.
“The initiative is very noble because we do not want policy documents that are only being implemented on paper yet there is very little on the ground. By undertaking this review, the government is showing commitment to its success as the exercise forms the basis of looking at what can be done to enhance programmes, identify possible challenges as well as looking forward to future growth systems,” he said.
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer, Mr Chris Mugaga said the review will also set the tone for implementation of outstanding projects.
Mr Mugaga said, “The private sector is eagerly waiting for the report because it will set the tone on the direction that Zimbabwe is moving towards, be it positive or negative but, since the business community is also banking on policy directions that guide future projects then the review report will also lay a foundation for further future programmes.”
The current blueprint whose thrust is on stabilising the economy, creating more wealth, boosting production, enhancing social protection systems, facilitating sustainable education and health facilities, focusing on devolution, increasing food security, and infrastructure developments among others, will be succeeded by the NDS 2, (2026 – 2030) as Zimbabwe targets an upper middle-income society.
