Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE National Competitiveness Commission, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, will today release findings of the National Competitiveness Baseline Survey, which seeks to provide a benchmark for assessing Zimbabwe’s economic and business competitiveness.
In a joint statement, NCC acting executive director Mr Brighton Shayanewako and ZIMSTAT director-general Mrs Tafadzwa Bandama said the survey is designed to address the need for reliable data reflecting the country’s economic and business environment.
“The NCBS addresses the need for reliable, nationally representative domestic competitiveness data that reflects Zimbabwe’s unique economic and business environment,” reads the statement.
The survey also seeks to establish a baseline against which the country’s competitiveness can be measured over time, helping policymakers and other stakeholders identify gaps and assess the impact of interventions.
The duo said the study was informed by the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) Mid-Term Review, which identified national competitiveness as a priority and mandated the NCC to develop periodic competitiveness indices.
“The NDS1 Mid-Term Review identified national competitiveness as a priority and mandated the NCC to develop periodic competitiveness indices,” reads the statement.
The survey was guided by four key pillars — innovativeness, inclusiveness, sustainability and resilience — and incorporates insights from the public, private and informal sectors.
The findings are expected to provide a clearer understanding of the factors affecting the country’s competitiveness and help inform policies aimed at improving the business environment and economic performance.
The dissemination meeting is also expected to bring together Government officials, private-sector representatives, academics, development partners and civil society to discuss the findings and their implications for national development.
Mr Shayanewako and Mrs Bandama said the survey provides an important evidence base for understanding Zimbabwe’s competitiveness challenges and identifying areas requiring policy attention.
The findings will be presented by the NCC and ZIMSTAT as part of efforts to strengthen the availability and use of data in national economic planning.
The full survey findings and specific competitiveness indicators are expected to be outlined during the dissemination meeting.
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