Vision 2030: A pathway to collective development

today’s rapidly IN changing world, every nation needs a clear vision and a well-defined roadmap to navigate through challenges and take advantage of opportunities.

ZIMBABWE, a country with immense potential, is no exception. President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 presents a transformative roadmap for Zimbabwe’s future. As a strategic thinker, who firmly believes in the power of collective action, it is essential to rally the nation behind this vision. By aligning our efforts, supporting the pillars of implementation, and fostering a strong partnership between the State and development actors, we can unlock Zimbabwe’s true potential and steer the country towards sustainable development. This article seeks to dissect the key components of Vision 2030, and offer insights on how to effectively realise this ambitious plan.

Zimbabwe, once known as the “Breadbasket of Africa”, has faced numerous challenges over the years, including economic instability, political misunderstandings and international isolation. However, under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, a renewed sense of optimism has emerged.

Vision 2030 serves as a comprehensive development plan, outlining the path towards a prosperous and inclusive Zimbabwe.

Collective development plan

Realising Vision 2030 requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including Government agencies, civil society organisations and citizens. A comprehensive development plan should be formulated, outlining the roles and responsibilities of each sector.

This plan should prioritise collaboration, inclusivity and transparency, ensuring that all voices are heard, and resources are allocated efficiently. To achieve this, Government has established the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) for 2021-2025, which serves as the guiding framework for implementing Vision 2030. NDS1 outlines specific targets and strategies for each sector, emphasising the need for coordinated action and shared responsibility.

For example, in the agriculture sector, NDS1 focuses on promoting sustainable farming practices, improving irrigation infrastructure and enhancing access to markets for smallholder farmers.

Aligning these strategies with Vision 2030 will help Zimbabwe achieve food security, increase agricultural productivity and boost rural development.

Aligning the vision

To ensure the successful implementation of Vision 2030, it is imperative to align all national policies, strategies and programmes with the overarching vision. This alignment will create a cohesive and coordinated approach, avoiding duplication of efforts and maximising the impact of each initiative. Furthermore, clear communication channels should be established to disseminate the vision’s objectives and goals to all stakeholders. Government has taken significant steps in this regard by launching the Results-Based Management (RBM) system. RBM provides a framework for aligning policies, plans and budgets with the vision’s goals, enabling effective monitoring and evaluation of progress.

Role of monitoring and evaluation

A robust monitoring and evaluation framework is essential for tracking progress and identifying areas of improvement. By regularly assessing the implementation of Vision 2030, potential challenges and bottlenecks can be identified and addressed promptly. This framework should include clear indicators, targets and timelines, enabling stakeholders to measure the impact of their interventions and make informed decisions. The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) plays a crucial role in this process, collecting and analysing data to inform evidence-based decision-making. Regular reporting and evaluation of key performance indicators will ensure transparency and accountability.

In addition, Government has established the Monitoring and Evaluation Department within the Office of the President and Cabinet, to oversee the implementation of Vision 2030. This department is responsible for coordinating, monitoring and evaluation activities, conducting impact assessments and providing recommendations for improvement.

Role of private sector

The private sector plays a vital role in driving economic growth and job creation. To fully leverage on its potential, a conducive business environment must be created, characterised by streamlined regulations, reduced bureaucracy and enhanced investor confidence. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) should be encouraged, fostering collaboration and innovation to accelerate progress towards Vision 2030. Government has recognised the importance of the private sector, and has implemented several reforms to attract investment and promote entrepreneurship. These include the ease of doing business reforms, which have streamlined business registration processes and reduced the time and cost of starting a business. Additionally, Government has established the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) to facilitate investment, provide support to investors and promote Zimbabwe as an attractive investment destination.

Connectivity

In the digital age, connectivity is a fundamental driver of economic growth and social development. Enhancing internet access, improving telecommunications infrastructure and promoting digital literacy will enable Zimbabwe to tap into the vast opportunities offered by the digital economy. By bridging the digital divide, Vision 2030 can unleash the potential of the country’s youth, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. Government has launched the National Broadband Plan, seeking to provide affordable and reliable internet access to all citizens. This plan focuses on expanding broadband infrastructure, improving connectivity in rural areas and promoting digital skills training. Furthermore, Government has partnered with international organisations and telecommunications companies to enhance connectivity and expand access to mobile and internet services in underserved areas.

Breeding of development

Vision 2030 should prioritise sustainable development practices that protect the environment, preserve natural resources and promote climate resilience. Investing in renewable energy, promoting sustainable agriculture and implementing effective waste management strategies will not only contribute to economic growth, but also ensure a greener and healthier future for Zimbabwe.

Government has recognised the importance of environmental sustainability, and has taken steps to promote renewable energy sources such as solar and hydropower. Moreover, initiatives such as the Climate-Proofing Infrastructure Programme aim to enhance the resilience of infrastructure to climate change impacts. Furthermore, Government has implemented the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which focuses on promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, including conservation agriculture and the use of drought-resistant crop varieties. These initiatives contribute to sustainable development, by mitigating the effects of climate change and improving food security.

Deliverables

To maintain momentum and inspire confidence, Vision 2030 should have clear deliverables and milestones. By setting achievable short-term goals, the vision becomes tangible and measurable, instilling a sense of accountability among stakeholders. Regular reporting on progress and achievements will foster transparency and build trust with the public. Government has established the Vision 2030 Delivery Matrix, which outlines specific targets and timelines for each sector. This matrix serves as a roadmap for monitoring progress and ensuring that deliverables are met in a timely manner. For example, in the health sector, Government has set targets to reduce maternal and child mortality rates, increase access to quality healthcare and strengthen the healthcare system through infrastructure development and capacity building.

Result-based monitoring systems

To ensure effective monitoring and evaluation, result-based monitoring systems should be established. These systems should focus on outcomes rather than outputs, measuring the impact of interventions on the lives of Zimbabweans. By aligning monitoring mechanisms with the vision’s objectives, policymakers can make datadriven decisions and allocate resources efficiently. Government has embraced the RBM approach, which emphasises the importance of measuring results and outcomes. This approach ensures that interventions are evidence-based and have a tangible impact on people’s lives. For instance, in the education sector, Government has implemented the Education 5.0 strategy, which focuses on improving access to quality education, enhancing teacher training and promoting technical and vocational education. Through result-based monitoring, Government can track improvements in literacy rates, school enrolment and student performance.

Pillars of implementation

Vision 2030 encompasses various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism and infrastructure development.

Each sector should have a dedicated implementation plan, outlining specific actions, targets, and timelines. These plans should be regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging opportunities. Government has developed sector-specific strategies and policies to guide implementation. For example, the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy focuses on increasing productivity, promoting value addition and enhancing market access for farmers. Government has also prioritised the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract investment, promote industrialisation and create employment opportunities.

Feedback teams

To foster citizen participation and ensure the vision is responsive to the needs of the people, feedback teams should be established at the grassroots level. These teams will act as intermediaries between Government and the public, collecting feedback, addressing concerns and providing regular updates on progress. This inclusive approach will strengthen the bond between the State and its citizens, creating a sense of ownership and shared responsibility. Government must establish platforms that provide fora for all citizens to engage with it, and share their ideas and concerns. This will allow citizens to provide feedback on public services and Government programmes, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions and improve service delivery.

Pillars of economic growth

Vision 2030 identifies pillars of economic growth, including infrastructure development, human capital development and investment promotion. A comprehensive strategy should be devised for each pillar, focusing on targeted interventions that address specific challenges and leverage on existing strengths. By investing in critical infrastructure, enhancing education and skills development and attracting both domestic and foreign investment, Zimbabwe can create a robust and diversified economy. Government has prioritised infrastructure development initiatives, which focus on improving transport networks, energy infrastructure and water supply. Furthermore, Government has implemented the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education programme to enhance human capital development and equip Zimbabwean youths with the skills needed for the 21st century job market.

Nexus between State and development actors

To effectively implement Vision 2030, a strong partnership between the State and development actors is crucial. Government should create an enabling environment that encourages collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing. Development actors, including international organisations, non-governmental organisations and the academia, can contribute expertise, resources and best practices, accelerating progress towards the vision’s goals. The Government has actively engaged with development partners and stakeholders through platforms such as the ZIDA and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce.

These partnerships facilitate knowledge transfer, technology transfer and capacity-building initiatives, fostering a collaborative approach to development.

President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 presents a transformative roadmap for Zimbabwe’s future. By embracing this vision and fostering a strong partnership between the State and development actors, Zimbabwe can unlock its true potential and steer the country towards sustainable development. The implementation of Vision 2030 requires a collective effort, with clear alignment of policies, robust monitoring and evaluation systems and a conducive business environment.

By prioritising connectivity, sustainable development practices and result-based monitoring, Zimbabwe can harness the power of the private sector, bridge the digital divide and protect the environment. Through the pillars of economic growth and a strong nexus between the State and development actors, Zimbabwe can create a vibrant and inclusive economy that benefits all its citizens.

As Zimbabwe embarks on this ambitious journey towards Vision 2030, it is essential to remain adaptable, responsive and open to feedback. Regular engagement with citizens and stakeholders will ensure that the vision remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the people.

By staying committed to the principles of transparency, accountability and inclusivity, Zimbabwe can overcome the challenges of the past and build a prosperous future for generations to come. Let us unite behind President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, and unleash Zimbabwe’s full potential.