Mrs. Fadzayi Ndlovu, Acting Director-General of the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT), called for enhanced collaboration among key stakeholders to address Zimbabwe’s data needs during the second meeting of the Data for Development and Innovation (DFDI) Working Group at Rainbow Towers. Highlighting the critical role data plays in monitoring national development plans, Mrs. Ndlovu urged participants to support coordinated efforts in closing data gaps for the country’s major development initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Ndlovu emphasized the importance of the DFDI Working Group, which was established to improve the availability and utilization of data across sectors. She acknowledged that the working group has a vital role in implementing Zimbabwe’s National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (2021-2025), helping to ensure that data-driven decisions support growth and development.
“With an ever-changing environment, we need to innovate in the way we monitor our national and regional commitments,” Mrs. Ndlovu remarked. She pointed to the need for new approaches to data collection and management, noting that the working group’s terms of reference have been designed to integrate innovation and ensure that data systems meet Zimbabwe’s development needs.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the group’s first meeting and the User-Producer Symposium held in Mutare in June, Mrs. Ndlovu outlined the division of the working group into five clusters—Economic, Innovation, Governance, Environment, and Social—each tasked with specific responsibilities to enhance data quality and coverage. These clusters are set to review their work plans during this meeting to consolidate efforts into a comprehensive annual plan.
Despite progress, Mrs. Ndlovu highlighted the challenges facing ZIMSTAT and other National Statistical Offices (NSOs) worldwide, particularly in producing reliable, disaggregated data to meet global standards. She cited the growing demand for timely data for development programs like Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063, which require a more modernized and innovative statistical system. She also acknowledged that limited technical capacity and resources continue to hinder data collection efforts.
Mrs. Ndlovu praised the ongoing partnership between ZIMSTAT and the United Nations, noting that such collaborations are vital to addressing the agency’s challenges. “The support we receive from the UN family is critical in ensuring that Zimbabwe’s National Statistical System (NSS) is effectively coordinated, and that we continue to provide high-quality data,” she said.
As the meeting concluded, Mrs. Ndlovu called on participants to use the platform to guide the development of key strategies that promote data sharing and use for policymaking. She expressed confidence that the activities undertaken by the DFDI Working Group would have a lasting impact on improving livelihoods in Zimbabwe.
“We are committed to building a stronger, more efficient data system that can support the country’s development agenda,” she concluded.
