Good governance key to investment, economic growth: CGI

CLOUDINE MATOLA IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
Good governance is critical to attracting investment, accelerating industrialisation and fostering innovation in Zimbabwe, Chartered Governance and Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe (CGI) president Tendayi Kanjanda has said, warning that the country’s economic ambitions depend on strong institutions, accountable leadership and effective implementation of national policies.
Speaking at CGI’s annual conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday, Kanjanda said sound governance was essential to building investor confidence and unlocking sustainable economic growth.
“As a nation, to achieve some of our objectives, such as attracting investment, accelerating industrialisation, embracing innovation, and creating jobs, depends on good governance,” Kanjanda said.
“Good governance creates confidence, confidence attracts investment, and investment drives growth. In that sense, governance is not merely a support function. It is the catalyst for economic growth.”
Zimbabwe has faced persistent challenges in attracting investment, with concerns over governance, policy consistency and economic stability weighing on investor confidence.
Kanjanda said achieving the country’s Vision 2030 ambition of becoming a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society would require institutions capable of translating policy commitments into tangible economic outcomes.
“Zimbabwe’s vision articulated in Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) is to become a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society. Achieving that ambition will require effective institutions, accountable leadership, and consistent execution,” he said.
He added that governance extended beyond organisational structures, policies and regulatory compliance, emphasising that its effectiveness should ultimately be measured by the outcomes it delivers.
Kanjanda said strengthening governance systems would reinforce public and private sector institutions, improve accountability and support the implementation of Vision 2030 and NDS2.
“If we strengthen governance, we will strengthen our institutions. If we strengthen our institutions, we will advance the aspirations of Vision 2030 and NDS2, and help build a more prosperous Zimbabwe for future generations,” he said.