By Aldridge Dzvene
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has challenged the public sector to intensify efforts to deliver efficient, impactful services, as the Government announced the 2025 Performance Evaluation Results and signed the 2026 Performance Contracts during a ceremony held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel on 16 March 2026.
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Book NowAddressing senior Government officials, parastatal leaders and local authority representatives, President Mnangagwa said the performance contracting framework has become a key pillar in strengthening accountability, efficiency and results-based governance as the country advances toward Vision 2030.
The President noted that the annual performance contracts signing ceremony has now become a permanent feature in the Government’s administrative calendar, reflecting the Second Republic’s commitment to public sector reforms and improved service delivery.
He emphasised that the initiative aligns with the implementation of National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which seeks to accelerate economic growth, modernise governance systems and improve the quality of life for citizens.
President Mnangagwa said the adoption of performance-based governance has already contributed to measurable progress across key sectors including agriculture, mining, infrastructure development, social services and climate resilience programmes.
“The principles of managing for sustainable development results must continue to guide the implementation of our policies, programmes and projects,” the President said, urging public officials to remain focused on the national mission to “implement, deliver and impact the lives of our citizens.”
The President also called for greater integration of digital technologies in public administration, highlighting the recently launched Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy as a key tool to modernise the economy and improve Government systems.
According to President Mnangagwa, the digitalisation of Government processes, including the automation of the performance contracting system, will enhance transparency, efficiency and citizen engagement.
He further revealed that Zimbabwe has entered into a cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates under the Global Experiences Exchange Programme, which will support improvements in public administration through digital transformation and knowledge exchange.
During the ceremony, Government also announced the 2025 performance evaluation results across the public sector.
A total of 120 Chief Executive Officers of State parastatals were assessed, with 75 meeting their set targets, 35 performing below targets but within acceptable variance, and 13 falling below targets outside the acceptable range.
In the higher education sector, 13 Vice Chancellors were evaluated, with 12 meeting their targets while one performed below target but within variance.
Among the provincial leadership, Ezra Chadzamira, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province, emerged as the Top Performing Minister of Provincial Affairs, followed by Msheck Mugadza of Manicaland Province as first runner-up and Owen Ncube of Midlands Province as second runner-up.
Among Cabinet Ministers, Barbara Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, was named the Overall Best Performing Cabinet Minister, with Anxious Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, taking first runner-up position while Ziyambi Ziyambi, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, placed second runner-up.
In the Permanent Secretaries category, Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, was named the Top Performing Permanent Secretary, followed by Vimbai Nyemba of the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Albert Chimbindi of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Meanwhile, Vangelis Haritatos emerged as the Top Performing Deputy Minister, followed by Joshua Sacco and Norbert Mazungunye as first and second runners-up respectively.
Government also recognised several ministries as most improved, including the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training and the Ministry of Defence.
President Mnangagwa concluded by urging public officials to remain guided by patriotism, professionalism and servant leadership, stressing that Government programmes and policies are meant to improve the livelihoods of ordinary Zimbabweans.
“As we sign these performance contracts, let us always remember the citizens of our beloved country whom we must serve wholeheartedly. Together we must implement, deliver and ultimately impact the economy and livelihoods of our communities. No one and no place must be left behind,” the President said
