Zimbabwe to host inaugural Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning week to drive national development

Patience Ndlovu,Zimpapers Writer

THE inaugural Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Week is set to be held at a Harare hotel from July 28 to August 1 at a hotel, aimed at strengthening the implementation of government initiatives under the Second Republic’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the soon-to-be-launched NDS2.

Speaking during a press briefing in Bulawayo, Special Advisor to the President Responsible for Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes, Dr Jorum Gumbo, said the landmark event will run under the theme:

Strengthening Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning towards Equitable Development for a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle Income Society by 2030.

“The monitoring, evaluation and learning week seeks to foster a culture of data-driven governance and citizen-centric programming in pursuit of Vision 2030. The event offers a strategic platform for knowledge and experience exchange among practitioners in developing planning, execution and reporting.” said Dr Gumbo.

He said monitoring, evaluation and learning remain pivotal in the implementation of national development strategies NDS1 and NDS2, and the accompanying Governance Performance Contracting System.

Dr Gumbo said the week will feature exhibitions and conferences with participants from both within and outside the country expected to grace the event.

“The Government of Zimbabwe, therefore, calls upon all stakeholders to fully participate in this milestone event, which reflects the nation’s commitment to accountability, transparency and inclusive progress towards Vision 2030.

The motto of the event is Our Vision, Our Pride.”
“It will cover an exhibition on Monitoring and Evaluation by different practitioners, stakeholders and organisations.

And it’s going to draw delegates and speakers from within and outside Zimbabwe. Some will attend physically, some are going to attend virtually. It will also cover panel discussions on pertinent topics that strengthen M&E as a practice. It’s going to cover a lot of other areas,” he said.

Vice President Chiwenga is expected to officially open the week.
Dr Gumbo said the week was crucial as the Government is changing the way of doing things to improve service delivery and increase the speedy of implementation of government projects.

He stressed the need to have members of the public having a voice in the development of the nation by pointing out areas of concern so that they are addressed.

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