Story by Memory Chamisa
THE Panel of Eminent Persons of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), led by Ambassador Aly El-Hefny of Egypt, is in Zimbabwe for the country’s first targeted review process.
The review, focusing on economic governance and management, is scheduled to run from Monday until November 18.
Speaking to the media after arrival at the Robert Mugabe International Airport on Saturday, the Panel of Eminent Persons of the African Peer Review Mechanism head of delegation, Ambassador Aly El-Hefny, outlined the significance of the review for Zimbabwe and Africa.
“We are excited to be here in Zimbabwe for the targeted review on economic governance. This is a process, like the Ambassador said, for Africans by Africans. We are going to be visiting a number of areas as we gather the information. I very much know that once completed, the report is also going to be set as a benchmark for other African countries. The country’s participation underscores its dedication to transparency, accountability, and sustainable development,” he said.
National Governance Council APRM Zimbabwe Chairperson, Ambassador James Manzou, highlighted the importance of the review, noting that after completion, President Emmerson Mnangagwa will present the results to his peers in Ethiopia next year.
“Zimbabwe will undergo a Targeted Review conducted by the APRM Continental Secretariat, working closely with a designated Individual National Consultant and an International Consultant, both operating under the supervision of an Eminent Person appointed for this process. The APRM focus group discussions (FGDs) will involve key stakeholders relevant to Zimbabwe’s thematic area of Economic Governance and Management, including: Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, Legislators, Provincial Leaders, Traditional Leaders, Private Sector and Business Community, Non-State Actors, Academia, Media,” he said.
The APRM is a self-monitoring instrument, voluntarily adopted by African Union member states to foster peer learning and accountability in governance.
It is a platform for countries to assess their governance performance, identify best practices and address challenges collectively.
Zimbabwe voluntarily acceded to this mutually agreed, self-monitoring mechanism of the AU during the 29th session of the APR Forum of Heads of State and Government held in Ethiopia in 2020.
