Harare, Zimbabwe – In a landmark move to bolster Zimbabwe’s development cooperation framework, Honorable Prof. Mthuli Ncube has launched three pivotal initiatives: the Development Projects Management Information System (DEVPROMIS), Sector Working Groups (SWGs), and the 4th Round Monitoring Exercise for the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (GPEDC).
Prof. Ncube, while delivering the keynote address, highlighted the significance of these initiatives within the context of Zimbabwe’s Development Cooperation Policy, which was introduced in October 2020. This policy aims to ensure that development assistance is coordinated, harmonized, results-focused, and aligned with the national priorities outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
The Development Projects Management Information System (DevProMIS) is a web-based platform designed for reporting, tracking, and monitoring development projects funded by both the Government and Development Partners. This system, which went live in May 2023, is housed at the National Data Centre under the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services.
Supported by the European Union and the UNDP, DevProMIS has already cataloged 240 development projects. The system aims to enhance transparency and accountability, improve coordination, and expedite project implementation.
In line with the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) for managing development assistance, the Government has established nine Sector Working Groups (SWGs). These groups are co-chaired by Government officials and Development Partners and focus on various key sectors: Economic Growth & Stability, Governance, Land Tenure, Compensation of Former Farm Owners & Resolution of BIPPAS,
Health & Wellbeing, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Disaster & Risk Management, Food and Nutrition Security (FNS), Human Capital Development & Innovation, and Infrastructure & Utilities.
Additional cross-cutting sectors include Gender, Youth, Social Protection, ICT, Climate Change & Environment, and Capacity Building & Development. Six SWGs are already fully functional, and the remaining groups are expected to operationalize soon with the help of relevant stakeholders.
The third initiative, the 4th Round Monitoring Exercise for the GPEDC, seeks to maximize the effectiveness of development cooperation.
Zimbabwe has committed to this exercise for 2024, coordinated by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. This monitoring exercise will evaluate the quality and effectiveness of partnerships and cooperation, focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring no one is left behind. The GPEDC monitoring process is a multi-stakeholder initiative, involving various government departments, private sector entities, development partners, and civil society organizations.
Prof. Ncube stressed the importance of effective dialogue and credible data in achieving Zimbabwe’s development aspirations. He acknowledged the support from the European Union, the UNDP, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) in reforming Zimbabwe’s Development Cooperation Architecture, which is integral to the NDS1.
He underscored the Government’s commitment to working with all development stakeholders to achieve a “Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030
He concluded by expressing gratitude to all stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration in driving Zimbabwe’s development agenda forward.
