Zimbabwe Increases Civil Society Engagement in the APRM Meeting

Event Summary

On 4 November 2025, the Government of Zimbabwe convened an African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) review meeting with civil society in Harare, reaffirming its commitment to governance reforms and regional integration. The APRM, an African Union initiative, provides a platform for dialogue on governance and socio-economic indicators, engaging government institutions, CSOs, private sector, and media. This review was notable for the inclusion of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), signaling potential openness to collaboration. CSOs assessed Zimbabwe’s progress on issues such as women’s rights, anti-corruption measures, and engagement with state institutions. Ambassador Albert Ranganai Chimbindi, APRM Focal Point, emphasized the government’s willingness to engage but urged CSOs to use existing channels rather than seeking high-level access, which he argued yields limited results.

Despite positive engagement, procedural shortcomings emerged: late invitations, outdated mailing lists, and missed communication prevented some CSOs from participating. These gaps raise concerns about inclusivity and coordination in future processes. While the meeting suggests a step toward constructive dialogue, the effectiveness of such engagement remains uncertain. If coordination improves, this could strengthen civic space and accountability.

Although the inclusion of CSOs in the APRM review process is a positive development, challenges remain in ensuring meaningful participation. Similar events have highlighted issues such as inadequate communication, late invitations, and logistical barriers that can hinder CSOs from fully engaging in the dialogue. For instance, other countries have faced criticism for marginalising civil society voices in governance processes, indicating that while there is a commitment to collaboration, the execution often falls short. The Zimbabwe APRM review, therefore, serves as both a reflection of progress and a reminder of the ongoing need to address these challenges to ensure that civil society can contribute effectively to governance reform and regional integration efforts.

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