The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) commenced a four-day technical workshop yesterday aimed at developing Zimbabwe’s National Programme of Action (NpoA).
The workshop focuses on transforming recommendations from Zimbabwe’s Targeted Review Report into actionable reforms that strengthen governance systems, enhance accountability, and support socio-economic transformation under the African Union’s peer review framework.
Speaking at the official opening of the workshop on behalf of Zimbabwe’s APRM Focal Point and Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Chief Director for Multilateral Affairs, Petronellah Nyagura, said Zimbabwe’s participation in the APRM is anchored on constitutionalism and good governance principles.
“Zimbabwe’s engagement with the APRM is firmly rooted in the precepts of law and is constituted on foundations of good governance,” she said.
Nyagura further emphasised the constitutional mandate guiding governance reforms, citing Section 9 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“Section 9 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe mandates the State to enact and implement policies and legislation that ensure efficient, transparent, and accountable governance at all levels,” she said
Director for Country Reviews in the APRM Directorate, Dr. Rachel Mukamunana, said the workshop is critical in supporting Zimbabwe to develop a comprehensive National Programme of Action that is fully aligned with the National Development Strategy II (NDS2).
“The workshop will support the Government of Zimbabwe in developing a comprehensive National Programme of Action that is aligned with the country’s National Development Strategy II to ensure that APRM-driven reforms are also embedded within national planning and budgeting systems,”she said.
Dr Mukamunana stressed that effective implementation of APRM outcomes depends on four core principles.
“Political ownership at the highest level entails sustained leadership and commitment essential to driving reforms across institutions and sectors,” she added.
Dr. Mukamunana further highlighted realism and prioritisation.
“Effective reform requires focus, sequencing, and alignment between ambition, capacity, and available resources,”she noted.
The workshop is expected to conclude with a structured National Programme of Action that will operationalise APRM findings, align governance reforms with national priorities under NDS2, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s capacity to deliver on its development and institutional reform commitments.
