Story by Reuben Barwe, Chief Correspondent
HARARE – PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially endorsed a mission by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to conduct a comprehensive review of Zimbabwe’s economic governance.
The five-member delegation from the APRM, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Quatre, paid a courtesy call on the President at State House this Thursday.
The review, which is scheduled to take place in August this year, will focus on Zimbabwe’s economic governance and financial management systems.
It forms part of the country’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability under the African Union framework.
After meeting the President, Ambassador Quatre said she had had a very fruitful engagements, with President Mnangagwa.
“Our mission here is part of a voluntary review by the Government of Zimbabwe to assess its economic governance and financial systems. His Excellency has expressed full support for this process, and we are encouraged by the country’s willingness to be reviewed by fellow African states,” she said.
Ambassador Quatre emphasised that the assessment would be inclusive and extensive, involving consultations across Zimbabwe’s provinces.
“We do not only engage with government institutions. Our review will involve civil society, the private sector, communities, and other key stakeholders. This ensures that we capture a holistic picture of the country’s economic governance landscape,” she said.
The review is being conducted at the invitation of the Government of Zimbabwe and is expected to yield recommendations aimed at strengthening institutions, improving transparency, and enhancing economic policy effectiveness.
Among the key issues expected to arise during the review is the continued impact of unilateral sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by some Western countries.
The APRM delegation acknowledged that sanctions remain a concern raised frequently by the Government and citizens alike.
“We are aware of the context within which Zimbabwe operates, including the issue of sanctions, which has come up during preliminary discussions. However, we cannot pre-empt our findings. The final recommendations will be made public after the assessment is concluded,” Ambassador Quatre said.
The APRM is a voluntary African Union organ tasked with promoting good governance, democracy, and sustainable development through peer-to-peer reviews.
Zimbabwe is among the AU member states participating in this initiative as part of its broader governance reform and re-engagement strategy.
“This is an African solution for African challenges. We are here as Africans, supporting a fellow African nation,” concluded Ambassador Quatre.
The final assessment report and recommendations are expected to be published later this year, following nationwide consultations and stakeholder engagements.
