The impact of poor governance on the implementation of new partnership of Africa Developments (NEPAD) : case study Zimbabwe

Abstract

This research examines the impact of poor governance on the implementation of New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) with Zimbabwe as case study. Qualitative method such as examination of existing literature including published books, journal articles, reports review, newspapers, in depth interviews was used to look at how poor governance can affect the implementation of NEPAD in Zimbabwe. The study focuses on how poor governance can have an impact on the socioeconomic and political aspect of Zimbabwe and how that can derail the implementation of NEPAD. The study showed that the Zimbabwean government fails to adhere to the principle of democracy and good governance that have been stipulated in the Declaration of Democracy, Political and Economic Governance. Consequently, there is little done about the implementation of NEPAD in Zimbabwe. This makes it difficult for the drivers of NEPAD to secure funding, therefore the implementation of NEPAD is unsuccessful because people are concentrating more on the political climate and declining economy than NEPAD. Based on the findings, it was concluded that poor governance impedes economic growth and leads to poverty and underdevelopment. Therefore it becomes difficult for the implementation of NEPAD. Therefore, it is recommended that African leaders have to make it clear in an assertive manner to the Mugabe Regime that they are endangering the future of NEPAD. Exercise peer pressure through constructive dialogue, offering assistance or applying appropriate measures to encourage Mugabe to join African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in order to improve governance and attract foreign investment to achieve growth and development. Southern Africa Development Committee(SADC) leaders should pursue mediation to obtain Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and Movement for Democratic Change(MDC) agreement on constitutional revisions and related legislative and regulatory measures that permit free and fair elections in 2008.