THE collaboration between the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) and the United Nations (UN) has minimised duplication of effort, improved efficiency and resource allocation while ensuring a harmonised approach to data collection, a top official has said.
Speaking during the second quarter meeting of the Data for Development and Innovation Technical Working Group (DFDI TWG) on Tuesday, ZimStat director-general Tafadzwa Bandama said the group was established with the primary objective of co-ordinating support for activities aimed at enhancing the availability and utilisation of data in Zimbabwe.
The meeting, which was held in Harare, was aimed at reviewing progress, addressing challenges and shaping the future of data-driven development in Zimbabwe amid the implementation of NSDS IV and monitoring of SDGs and NDS 1.
Bandama said the first meeting, held in May this year, yielded noteworthy achievements, including a joint workplan established for data collection and utilisation activities while bringing together technical expertise from various stakeholders.
“The emergence of national, regional and global development frameworks such as NDS 1, Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063 has increased pressure on NSOs to produce timely, reliable and highly disaggregated data in line with global expectations including the Agenda 2030 commitment to ‘leave no one behind’,” Bandama said.
She also said to address these demands, ZimStat was strengthening collaboration with local authorities to close existing data gaps and enhance the availability of disaggregated data.
“The agency is also migrating to make sure its data are integrated, accessible and optimised for use in modern analytical tools including AI-driven models,” Bandama said.
She said the enhanced Open Data Portal 2.0 was scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2026, adding that ZimStat officially launched the OpenSDG, a national platform for reporting and tracking SDG progress, in July this year.
Bandama said the platform marked a significant milestone in improving transparency, accessibility and public engagement on national development indicators.
Meanwhile, United Nations Population Fund deputy representative Aboubakar Cisse said the DFDI platform remained a cornerstone for coordination, statistical transformation and evidence-informed development.
“The DFDI TWG has evolved into a truly multi-sectoral platform, bringing together government ministries, UN agencies, development partners, private sector innovators, academia and civil society stakeholders,” he said.
“This platform is pivotal in harmonising our data efforts, reducing duplication and addressing the data gaps that influence the monitoring of national priorities, including Sustainable Development Goals and the National Development Strategy frameworks.”
He applauded ZimStat for its strong leadership and continued collaboration, including cluster chairs, development partners and line ministries for their consistent participation and technical contributions throughout the year.
“Together, we have advanced an integrated, collaborative approach to national data strengthening — one that reflects the spirit of partnership embedded within this TWG,” Cisse said. -newsda
