Accountability Lab ends NNAZ programme, eyes new chapter in Zim

By Ndumiso Tshuma

The New Narratives for Accountability in Zimbabwe (NNAZ) programme, run by Accountability Lab Zimbabwe (ALZ), has engaged more than 733 000 Zimbabweans, both online and offline, over its five-year span through its Civic Action Teams initiative, which fosters nationwide dialogue on governance and accountability.

Speaking at the programme’s alumni closing event held at the Bulawayo Club on Thursday, Beloved Chiweshe, Programme Manager for ALZ , said 18 key research papers had been launched during the project, providing critical insights into governance and transparency in the country.

He noted that the initiative also worked closely with Parliament and other institutions to advance accountability, including efforts to promote transparency in the management of the Mutapa Investment Fund.

“Over the years, we were able to produce four albums with 10 songs each, 46 songs in total by Voice2Rep artists, including two EPs under this programme,” Chiweshe said. “We also produced 36 films, which are available on YouTube via the Film Fellowship page, and we collaborated with 43 youth-led civil society organisations.”

The alumni event brought together participants from various components of the programme, including the Accountability Lab, Accountability Incubator, Integrity Icon Campaign, Music Campaign, Voice2Rep, and the Film Fellowship.

Chiweshe said the programme was supported by the United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as the Embassy of Switzerland in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia.

“As you know, USAID’s stop-work order was immediate, which meant we couldn’t hold formal exit meetings,” he said. “We then sought support from the Swiss embassy, which enabled us to host this event and bring everyone together to say thank you to those who worked with us.”

Chiweshe reassured stakeholders that Accountability Lab Zimbabwe remains fully committed to its mission.

“We want to announce that Accountability Lab is here to stay,” he said. “Although the New Narratives for Accountability in Zimbabwe programme has concluded, our work continues. Accountability remains a vital pillar of governance. When people are elected to office, they are accountable to those who placed them there.”