Governance Reforms Urged Ahead of NDS2

By Emelda Jinya

Governance expert Dr Gorden Moyo has called for major governance reforms under the Second National Development Strategy (NDS2), saying stronger leadership, accountability and independent institutions are key to national development.

Speaking at the 2026 Local Governance Conference in Bulawayo on Wednesday, themed “Reimagining NDS2 Legal Framework for Devolution,” the Executive Director of the Public Policy Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ) Dr Moyo, said the country needs purposeful leaders focused on development and service delivery.

He also highlighted the importance of establishing an autonomous bureaucracy, saying public institutions should be led by skilled and experienced professionals capable of carrying out their duties without political interference.

Dr Moyo further emphasised the need for a strong social contract between the State and citizens, noting that national development cannot be achieved without trust, cooperation and accountability between government and society.

On accountability, he said there was a need to strengthen its various forms, including horizontal accountability among State institutions, vertical accountability through citizens holding leaders accountable, and societal accountability involving communities, civil society and the media.

Stakeholders at the conference also discussed decentralisation, improved local governance systems and the importance of citizen participation in development programmes as Zimbabwe moves towards implementing NDS2 and achieving Vision 2030 goals.

Ends////