Priming strategic institutions towards national vision

ZIMBABWE is rich in natural resources and potential and is at a critical juncture in its development journey.

Dr Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo

With the launch of Vision 2030, the country has set ambitious goals to transform its economy and improve the quality of life of its citizens.

However, realisation of these goals requires a well-structured and coordinated planning framework that engages all stakeholders and addresses challenges faced by the nation.

Planning structure

The structure refers to different elements of strategic planning and how they fit together. It is important to address the component of structure when dealing with the planning framework.

This speaks to the reporting system and coordination of the team, and how they correlate as a system. For example, your structure may start with a vision and mission statement, then flows into values, focus areas and a number of goal levels. The structure is important because it builds confidence on those people that are part of the mission, and it brings clarity and simplicity on those who want to be part of the vision.

Governance provisions around a planning framework

This refers to how you will go about tracking and reporting on execution of your strategy. The planning framework requires a governance structure on how you will be effecting the concept of tracking performance and reporting of actual activities on the ground.

This is where most leaders have challenges because they cannot read exactly what is happening on the ground. It also touches on those individuals involved in the roles of implementation of the national plan.

Structuring the national vision

To effectively implement the national vision, it is essential to structure the goals and strategies in a comprehensive and coherent manner. This involves identifying key sectors and areas that require development, setting clear targets and establishing a roadmap for implementation. A well-structured mix will ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and efforts are directed towards achieving desired outcomes.

The structuring process should involve thorough research, analysis and consultation with experts and stakeholders from various sectors. This will help identify the most critical areas for development and prioritise interventions accordingly.

Additionally, the mix should take into account the country’s unique challenges and opportunities, as well as align with international best practices.

Clear planning framework

A clear planning framework is essential for translating goals and strategies of the national vision into actionable plans. This framework should outline the steps and processes involved in developing and implementing the plans, including the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders. It should also incorporate mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating progress.

The planning framework should be based on a thorough understanding of the current socio-economic landscape and desired outcomes of the national vision. It should also consider potential risks and challenges that may arise during implementation and devise appropriate mitigation strategies. Moreover, the framework should be flexible enough to accommodate changes and adjustments as needed.

Clear coordination framework

Effective coordination among various stakeholders is crucial for successful implementation of the national vision. A clear coordination framework should be established to ensure that all relevant actors are involved and working towards the same goals. This includes Government agencies, private sector entities, civil society organisations and international partners.

The coordination framework should define roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder and establish mechanisms for communication, collaboration and information sharing.

It should also facilitate alignment of efforts and resources to avoid duplication and ensure efficient utilisation. Regular meetings, workshops and consultations can be organised to foster cooperation and address any issues or challenges that may arise.

Provincial structured framework

Zimbabwe is a diverse country with varying regional needs and priorities. To ensure inclusive and balanced development, a provincial structured framework should be established as part of the planning process for Vision 2030.

This framework should take into account the unique characteristics and potential of each province and tailor interventions accordingly.

The provincially structured framework should involve extensive consultation with local communities and traditional leaders. It should identify specific challenges and opportunities in each province and develop targeted strategies to address them. This will help ensure that development is spread evenly across the country and no region is left behind.

Legislative framework to back the vision

To provide a solid foundation for the implementation of Vision 2030, a supportive legislative framework is essential. This framework should include laws, regulations and policies that enable and facilitate achievement of the vision’s goals. It should address issues such as investment, trade, infrastructure development, education, healthcare and environmental sustainability.

The legislative framework should be developed through a consultative and participatory process involving relevant stakeholders and experts. It should be aligned with international best practices and take into account specific needs and challenges. Furthermore, mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing compliance should be established to ensure effective implementation of the legislation.

Stakeholder participation

The success of the national vision depends on active participation and engagement of all stakeholders, including Government, the private sector, civil society and citizens.

Stakeholders should be involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation processes to ensure that their perspectives and concerns are taken into account.

Effective stakeholder participation can be achieved through various mechanisms, such as public consultations, focus group discussions and multi-stakeholder platforms.

These platforms should provide opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and partnership-building. Stakeholders should be encouraged to contribute their expertise, resources and ideas to support the implementation of the national vision.

Institutional frameworks and alignment

To ensure effective implementation of the national vision, institutional frameworks should be established or strengthened. This involves creating or enhancing institutions responsible for planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation. These institutions should have the necessary capacity, resource and authority to carry out their functions effectively.

Institutional alignment is also crucial to avoid duplication and ensure coherence in the implementation of various programmes and projects. Existing institutions should be reviewed and reformed if necessary to ensure they are aligned with the goals and strategies of the national plan. This may involve restructuring, capacity-building and establishment of new units or departments.

Nexus between State and development actors

Successful implementation of the national plan requires a strong partnership between the State and development actors, including the private sector, civil society and international organisations.

This nexus should be based on mutual trust, shared goals and a commitment to the development of Zimbabwe.

The State should create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and contribute to achievement of Vision 2030.

This includes providing incentives for investment, streamlining regulations and improving infrastructure.

Civil society organisations can play a critical role in monitoring and advocating for the effective implementation of the vision, while international organisations can provide technical expertise, funding and capacity-building.

Reinforcement of development framework

To ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of Vision 2030, it is essential to reinforce the development framework. This involves strengthening the country’s human capital, promoting innovation and technology transfer and enhancing the resilience of key sectors to external shocks. Investments in education and skills development are crucial to equip the workforce with the necessary knowledge and capabilities to drive economic growth and development.

Innovation and technology transfer can help improve productivity, efficiency and competitiveness in key sectors. In addition, efforts should be made to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on a few sectors, thereby increasing resilience and reducing vulnerability.

Implementation indicators

Monitoring and evaluation are essential components of the planning framework towards Vision 2030. Clear implementation indicators should be defined to track progress, measure results and identify areas that require adjustment or improvement.

Implementation indicators should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). They should cover various aspects such as economic growth, poverty reduction, employment creation, infrastructure development and social indicators.

Regular monitoring and evaluation exercises should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of interventions and inform decision-making.

The planning framework towards Vision 2030 provides a roadmap for Zimbabwe’s collective prosperity. By structuring the vision mix, establishing clear planning and coordination frameworks, engaging stakeholders, reinforcing institutional frameworks and monitoring progress through implementation indicators, Zimbabwe can overcome its challenges and achieve its development goals.

The successful implementation of Vision 2030 requires the commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders, as well as a supportive legislative framework.

With a well-structured and coordinated approach, Zimbabwe can pave the way towards a prosperous and sustainable future for all its citizens.

Dr Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo is head of the Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic Thinking. Feedback [email protected]