ACBF officially inaugurates its home in Zimbabwe and formally launches the Zimbabwe Capacity Development Program with a high level dialogue on Effective Economic Governance: Accountability, transparency and inclusiveness in managing public resources
On 10 December 2012, the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) launched the Zimbabwe Capacity Development Program, dubbed ZCDP at its new premises donated by the Government of Zimbabwe to support ACBF in further reducing its operating costs and, in the future, generating resources to secure a sustainable financing for its activities.
The launch was followed by a high level forum that focused on effective economic governance in managing public resources. Present at the occasion was Mr. Willard Manungo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and ACBF Alternate Governor representing Honourable Tendai Biti, Minister of Finance and ACBF Governor for Zimbabwe. The launch ceremony and the high level forum were also attended by senior government officials, diplomatic corps and development partners.
Speaking at the launch of the program, Mr. Manungo emphasized the importance of the ZCDP in the re-building of Zimbabwe's economy.The outcomes of the program are premised on three key facts: the participation of all national stakeholders in the accountability of public resources and management of the MTP; the revatilisation of the two training institutes, ZIPAM and the Domboshawa Training Institute for the training leading to efficiency of the public sector and compliance of accounting standards within the public sector.The design of the program also takes into account the already going efforts by other development partners – DFID, UNDP, AfDB, World Bank, European Commission, The Netherlands, and AusAid.Therefore the program's specific niche is to address building and development of appropriate capacity of the public sector to broaden economic participation and rebuild the culture of implementing plans for the country's economic management, monitoring and tracking of results of the MTP.
Within the ACBF Eastern and Southern African region portfolio, ZCDP is the fourth country program. The design and innovation introduced in this program has been based on the lessons learnt by the Foundation. Capacity development programs are important because they help re-enforce the use of national systems, the technical partner can focus on those areas where most value can be added to the development objectives of the country; assists in integrating ACBF's capacity building support with that of other development partners and serves as catalyst for resource mobilization. The country programming framework seeks to maximize results of national development priorities.
Speaking at the launch, ACBF Executive Secretary, Dr. Frannie Léautier, stated, "Change begins with a small step. We are pleased that, this program supports strengthening the implementation capacity to monitor the Government's Medium Term Plan (MTP), building the unique capabilities needed to scale up implementation of public financial management, thus raising accountability in use of public resources and raising the voice and level of dialogue between state and non-state actors to influence the design and implementation of policy and programs. The program will support capacity development across the public sector."
The high level forum panelists included Mr. Alain Noudehou, UN Resident Coordinator, for Zimbabwe; Dr. Misau, Ag. Administrator Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) and ACBF Executive Board Member; Dr. Ndlovu, Director of the Zimbabwe Institute of Public Administration and Management (ZIPAM), Dr. Hugette Labelle, Chancellor of the University of Ottawa and ACBF Executive Board Member and Dr. Frannie Léautier, Executive Secretary, African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF).
ACBF's total investment in Zimbabwe to date amounts to USD 26,400,000
National Programs and Projects: USD 15,100,000
- Zimbabwe Economic Policy Analysis and Research Unit (ZEPARU)
- The Capacity Building Project to Strengthen the National Statistical System in Zimbabwe (ZIMSTAT-Project)
- National Economic Consultative Forum Project (NECF)
- Zimbabwe Women's Resource Centre (ZWRCN)
- Capacity Development Program for the Ministry of Regional Integration and International Cooperation in Zimbabwe (MoRIIC-P)
- Zimbabwe Capacity Development Program
Regional Programs and Projects headquartered in Zimbabwe: USD 11,300,000
- Public Sector Management Training Program (PSMTP-Africa University)
- Macroeconomic and Financial Management Institute (MEFMI III)
- Women's University in Africa Capacity Building Project (WUA)
- Project of Lectures and Workshops on Peace, Leadership and Development in Africa by Eminent Persons (PEARL-Africa University)
About the African Capacity Building Foundation
ACBF was established in February 1991. It is the outcome of collaboration between African governments and the international donor community. Its mission is to build sustainable human and institutional capacity for sustainable growth and poverty reduction in Africa. ACBF's vision is for Africa to be recognized for its socio-political and economic capabilities and endowments – a continent with effective institutions and policies acquired through sustained investment in people and institutions. The Foundation is a leader, major partner and centre of excellence for capacity building in Africa.
The African Union currently serves as an Observer on the ACBF Board of Governors.
For further information, please contact:
b.kone@acbf-pact.org
r.kambarami@acbf-pact.org
African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)
PO Box 1562, Harare
ZIMBABWE
Tel: + 263 4 700208/210
www.acbf-pact.org
