The imperative of professionalisation in Zimbabwe’s public finance

By Richard Ndebele

Zimbabwe’s public sector continues to strengthen its commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability.

The recent call by the Public Service Commission (PSC) for enrolment into the 2026 Public Sector Professional Accounting Programme (PSPA) marks another important step in embedding professionalism and competence within public financial management.

This initiative underscores government’s recognition that sustainable reform depends not only on policies and systems, but also on the people who manage public resources.

Behind every efficient institution is a cadre of ethical, skilled accountants who ensure that every dollar serves citizens effectively.

Professionalisation as a Pillar of Reform

The PSC, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and the Public Accountants and Auditors Board (PAAB), is advancing a comprehensive professionalisation framework for public sector accountants.

This initiative aims to enhance capacity and align public financial management practices with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) — a globally recognised benchmark for transparency and accountability.

Professionalisation transforms accounting from a compliance function into a strategic discipline. Certified and ethically grounded professionals bring discipline to budgeting, foresight to policy, and credibility to reporting — strengthening both institutions and the trust they command.

Strengthening Capacity Across Government

Ministries, departments, and agencies are being encouraged to nominate qualified personnel to undertake accredited training through recognised professional bodies. This structured approach ensures that Zimbabwe’s public finance workforce operates under uniform standards of competence and ethics.

Such alignment supports better fiscal management, consistent financial reporting, and more reliable decision-making — all of which are essential for effective service delivery and national development.

This reform is not merely administrative; it’s a long-term investment in human capital. A well-trained and motivated public finance professional can be the difference between waste and value, between reactive management and proactive reform.

Opportunities for Growth and Collaboration

Professionalisation opens the door to collaboration between government, academia, and the professional community. Continuous learning, mentoring, and exposure to international best practices will ensure that Zimbabwe’s accountants remain competitive and informed.

It also nurtures homegrown expertise. By building local capacity, Zimbabwe reduces its reliance on external consultants while preserving institutional knowledge and continuity.

Moreover, as sustainability and accountability increasingly shape global governance standards, the professionalisation drive places Zimbabwe on a progressive path — one that values both fiscal discipline and sustainable development outcomes.

A Shared Vision for a Better Future

As a professional public sector accountant, I view this initiative not only as a technical reform, but as a national development strategy. Professionalisation fosters a culture of integrity and continuous improvement that benefits the entire economy.

It also reflects confidence in Zimbabwe’s professionals — trusting them to lead, innovate, and uphold public trust. When professionals are empowered, the institutions they serve become stronger, and the citizens they serve are better protected.

The Public Service Commission’s leadership in advancing professionalisation demonstrates a clear, forward-looking commitment to building capable and ethical institutions.

If we are to build a nation where every cent is accounted for, every report is credible, and every decision reflects integrity, then professionalisation must remain central to our collective reform efforts.

By investing in our professionals, Zimbabwe is investing in the future of accountable governance. The journey toward a modern, transparent, and efficient public sector is well underway — and every finance professional has a role to play.

Richard Ndebele is Manager: Technical, Research & Quality Assurance at the Chartered Governance and Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe (CGI Zimbabwe) and Country Champion for the PAFA Sustainability Centre of Excellence. He writes on governance, sustainability, and public financial management in Africa.
Contact: rndebele@cgizim.org