Since 2020, ALZ has been implementing the flagship “New Narratives for Accountability in Zimbabwe (NNAZ)” project. NNAZ has played a crucial role in encouraging communities to explore innovative methods to improve governance outcomes from the ground up and address deeply rooted political, social, and economic issues around accountability. The NNAZ project has facilitated the realization of community rights and motivated government and service providers to meet their responsibilities. Although the NNAZ Project had a national reach, the community-focused initiative – Civic Action Teams (CivActs) – specifically targeted the districts of Bulawayo, Chitungwiza, Goromonzi, and Harare.

The NNAZ theory of action is centred on making governance work for the people utilizing the Lab’s skills, financial resources, knowledge, information, networks, and relationships to campaign, learn, train, convene, advocate, design interventions, and build coalitions for systemic change. This theory of action laid the groundwork for the NNAZ program’s Theory of Change (ToC), which posits that if citizen engagement increases, if diverse voices leverage new networks and spaces to enhance accountability, and if positive deviants within targeted institutions foster good governance, then the rights of targeted communities will be realized, government and service providers will meet their responsibilities, and democratic governance that serves an engaged citizenry will improve.

The NNAZ Project is programmatically anchored on a suite of activities organized under four main workstreams:

Civic Action Teams (CivActs):

Civic Action Teams (CivActs) in Goromonzi, Mbare, Chitungwiza and Bulawayo strengthened engagement by promoting dialogue between citizens and duty-bearers on community challenges identified through listening meetings and surveys. The dialogue builds trust, enhances transparency, and promotes good governance in target districts. In 2024, ALZ engaged in advocacy at the national level using strategic communication, research and uptake meetings, and policy analysis to influence national discourse on accountability. The advocacy issues include drug and substance abuse, the dangers of urban mining and land corruption. 

To promote greater integration of the NNAZ project pillars, VR2 artists performed at CivActs events, and documentaries from the film fellowship were screened in CivActs communities. This expanded the reach of CivActs interventions, especially among the youth. NNAZ has worked to strengthen citizen participation in governance, ensuring that people are not just passive recipients of government services but active agents of change. 

4.2 Impact made and lessons learnt?

CivActs played a crucial role at the grassroots level in surfacing community concerns, notably through town hall meetings, community listening sessions, and media engagements. For example, in Harare’s Mbare suburb, a campaign led by women mobilized by CivActs resulted in the repair of blocked drainage systems after persistent advocacy with the city council. Similarly, in Glenview, a citizen petition led to the temporary suspension of a corrupt local officer. These instances underscore how access to information and collective action can drive tangible governance improvements.

CivActs listening meeting in Chitungwiza –
a productive discussion with residents on land corruption and its impact on the community.

Social media and digital engagement significantly amplified citizen participation. The use of Twitter Spaces to host interactive discussions on governance issues saw participation numbers rise from 24,000 to 379,000 over the reporting period. The topics covered included the impact of economic policies on service delivery, electoral reforms, and strategies for combatting corruption. This digital outreach not only extended the project’s influence but also created a platform for real-time discussions between citizens and policymakers. The X-Space discussions focused on the country’s electoral systems, the budget, illicit financial flows and land tenure. These discussions focused on accountability issues related to the selected topics.

ALZ thought leadership X-Spaces conducted from October 2023 until September 2024

The Accountability Incubator4

The Accountability Incubator welcomed a new cohort of ten (10) Accountaprenuers in March 2024. The initiatives of the 2024 cohort focus on digital governance, inclusion, climate justice, and civic agency. An “All Cohorts Welcome and Inception Meeting” of the Class of 2024 marked the beginning of a year-long journey of mentorship, training and accompaniment for the young civic leaders whose applications demonstrated the capacity to influence their hyperlocal accountability ecosystems (geographical or practice). The current cohort participated in training workshops on civic leadership, citizen engagement, accountability, environment, climate, advocacy, storytelling for impactful communication, resource mobilization, ideation and project design, communication and pitching. Each accountapreneur was paired with a staff member for guidance and support as they designed and implemented practical solutions for governance and accountability issues affecting their communities.

A key highlight of the training curriculum was an immersive Climate Change Boot Camp for individuals from past and current cohorts of the Voice2Rep, the Accountability Film Fellowship, and the Accountability Incubator. This unique training experience, staged in the Mana Pools National Park in September 2024, was designed to break hotel and conferencing monotony and make the training methodology more engaging, interactive, and exciting for young people. The boot camp involved a combination of workshop-style learning sessions, guided walks in the park, and evening bonfire discussions, providing participants with a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. 

The camping safari in the Mana Pools National Park wilderness provided participants with a unique learning environment, where they could learn from experts, the environment, and each other. The workshop unpacked the science of climate change, gender and climate change, carbon credit schemes, accountability in climate action, climate change controversies and the far-reaching impacts of climate change on the younger generation. 

The boot camp equipped participants with the knowledge and tools to integrate climate change considerations into their long-term plans and creative endeavors. The inclusion of all cohorts was a deliberate choice to give participants equal treatment and to foster opportunities for collaboration among young creatives from various Accountability Lab cohorts. A WhatsApp group with all participants and experts—initially designed to coordinate the boot camp—has been a useful knowledge and information-sharing platform, further strengthening the sense of community.

Concurrently, the incubator facilitated the “crowding in” of accountaprenuers from previous cohorts – now in the alumni network – into platforms, networks, and spaces that allow them to grow their initiatives. This initiative has significantly expanded the reach and impact of the program, as it has allowed past participants to continue their work and share their learnings with new cohorts. This also includes ALZ events and the broader accountability trans-local networks at the local, national and international levels. The youth in the alumni network are working on the climate crisis, corruption, service delivery, and civic engagement. The involvement of young people from the incubator facilitated the inclusion of youth, artists, and grassroots leaders in key accountability conversations.

Continued Mentorship is Crucial: Ongoing mentorship and expert guidance significantly enhanced the quality and sustainability of SAPs.

Natalie Gwatirisa from the 2024 cohort of the Accountability Incubator hit the ground running soon after joining the incubator. Natalie is a climate youth negotiator representing Zimbabwe, following her training at UNICEF Young Negotiators Academy and other institutions. 

With her background in linguistics, she is creatively integrating her skills in disseminating climate information in ways that resonate with diverse audiences through “All For Climate Action (AFCA)”, an organization she founded.

 AFCA promotes the participation of young people by advocating for inclusive climate empowerment, climate democracy and justice, and localized climate solutions. AFCA has been hosting climate cafés and has had the privilege of hosting one of the cafés at the residency of the Canadian Ambassador. 

The climate cafés are informal platforms for conversations that interrogate climate policies and facilitate cross-pollination of ideas among stakeholders, especially young people, as they ideate climate solutions. Her passion, expertise, and community-centered approach are powerful in the fight against climate change. Through AFCA, Natalie is making a significant impact in Zimbabwe and beyond. 

While her institution has made huge strides, she has witnessed personal growth, leading to her appointment to the AU-EU Youth Advisory Board. The AU EU Youth Voices Lab focuses on interventions that support young Africans on the continent and the diaspora in Europe in their journey towards increased engagement, connection, and empowerment to enablers/decision-makers in their journey to develop equal partnerships with young people and to create the conditions to address the key needs and priorities of the younger generations. Natalie attended  COP 29 through the generous support and goodwill from the ALZ trans-local network. While in Azerbaijan, she met Ruth Mcfallen – Kandemiri and Petronella Nyarai Chigede, and together, they launched the Global Impact Initiative (GIIT) to increase their impact by leveraging their unique perspectives, skills and networks. 

The Arts4Change Program

ALZ, in collaboration with Magamba Network, implements the Arts4Change Program. The Program uses inclusive and creative mediums, such as film, music, and digital storytelling, to empower young people and marginalized groups, strengthening their engagement on governance and accountability issues. The Film Fellowship (FF) and Voice2Rep equip participants with the skills to produce documentaries, music, and digital media content addressing social justice and governance issues.

Voice2Rep

The Voice to Represent (“Voice2Rep”) music competition supports young musicians using their voices to influence social norms. Voice2Rep builds a network of musicians, producers, mentors, judges, and socially conscious music fans passionate about social change. The Arts4Change Program welcomed ten (10) young musicians (six women and four men) selected from 131 applications; the ten constitute the 2024 Cohort of Voice2Rep. Over the years, Voice2Rep  has supported young artists passionate about some of the causes and themes that resonate with young people, including advocating for more meaningful representation and participation of young people in the accountability discourse in Zimbabwe. 

The training and mentorship support for the V2R artists kicked off with the “All Cohorts Welcome”, where the V2R artists met and interacted with film fellows and accountaprenuers. The V2R artists had training sessions on songwriting, composition techniques, stage performances, the constitution, financial literacy and marketing. They also attended an “all cohorts” communications for social impact workshop hosted by ALZ for accountapreneurs, V2R artists and film fellows. The workshop imparted communication skills across digital and non-digital platforms to participants, who were encouraged to use communication as a powerful tool to showcase their work, amplify their voices, and make a social impact. V2R artists also attended the Climate Change Boot Camp in the Mana Pools National Park. 

In addition to the technical skills of making good music, the training curriculum also improved the artists’ social consciousness. It instilled in the participants a strong work ethic, time management, discipline and professionalism. Voice2Rep artists received guidance from established industry professionals. They had the opportunity to connect with socially conscious leaders in the music industry and build the skills they need to shape the future through music. After the training, the artists worked on solo projects that included each of the artists producing at least one song. 

The solo projects culminated in the release of a ten-track album titled “Zvirimumoyo,” launched in Shamva in July 2024. The album captures the struggles of young Zimbabweans and amplifies their voices. The V2R artists performed at the album launch, Peace in the Hood concert, and Mashup Night in September 2024. Performances at the Shoko Festival attracted significant audiences, reinforcing the project’s objective of embedding accountability narratives in mainstream cultural spaces. 

A remarkable achievement for Voice2Rep in 2024 was the nomination of three Voice2Rep artists for the 2024 Zim Hip Hop Awards. Banshee (V2R 2023) wowed the audience with an electrifying opening act and scooped the prestigious “Best Spoken Word Award”. Her poetry, rooted in social consciousness, demands justice and amplifies the fight for human rights. When she went on stage to collect the award, she had a placard written “Send our girls back to school”. Mike Cibeh (V2R 2024) scooped the “Positive Social Impact Award” in recognition of his efforts to use music for accountability and positive change. Mr. Moreni (V2R 2024) was nominated for the “Best Alternative Artist” for his unique artistry.

Voice2Rep Zimbabwe finalists Mr. Moreni and Rumbidzai Mutasa collaborated and produced the song “Tivake Zimbabwe” – let’s build Zimbabwe. The song encourages citizens to uphold integrity and reject corruption. The V2R artists performed the song at the ALZ local authorities summit in October 2024. The summit was attended by local authorities and residents associations from twelve urban and rural councils. The V2R artists also performed at the 2024  Accountability Incubator Graduation and Friendraiser in November 2024. The nominations and awards embolden the dedication and passion of the young artists in their craft. We are immensely proud of their achievements and equally emboldened in our approaches and belief in young people.

The Accountability Film Fellowship

The 2024 cohort of the Film Fellowship had five (5) aspiring filmmakers (3 women and two men) selected from a pool of eighty-six (86) applicants. The Film Fellowship mentors future generations of socially conscious filmmakers and equips them with the prerequisite skills for accountability and social justice advocacy through visual storytelling. The reduction in the number of film fellows – from ten to five – and the decision to have the film fellows collaborate on two films instead of producing a film each was to allow for in-depth mentoring and training to improve the quality of the films and maximize impact. 

The fellows received training and mentorship on key aspects of filmmaking, including film production techniques, script writing, directing, cinematography, storytelling, and advocacy. In addition to the technical skills of making good films, the filmmakers also gained an appreciation of accountability, governance, social justice, and financial literacy from experts and activists within the accountability ecosystem and established film industry professionals. The five film fellows also attended the Climate Change Boot Camp in Mana Pools National Park. 

The 2024 Cohort produced two documentaries highlighting community social justice and accountability issues. The two films are “A Fragile Existence,” which sheds light on the climate challenges faced by people with albinism, and “The Water Thieves,” which exposes corruption in water governance. The fellowship culminated in the BOKOLA film festival, where the fellows’ work was showcased to industry professionals, stakeholders, and policymakers.  

These films have sparked conversations on inclusion and natural resource governance. Subsequently, they were used as conversation starters during mobile and ghetto cinema screenings to stimulate dialogue on the issues highlighted in the films. All films were shared on digital platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, making them accessible to broader audiences beyond Zimbabwe. “A Fragile Existence” was nominated for and received an award from Amnesty International Zimbabwe under their Media Awards, winning the ‘Best Broadcast Feature (TV) Award’. This was a great achievement within the four-month premiere of the film, showcasing the film’s potential for further exposure and traction in sharing its key themes and messaging.

The Integrity Icon Campaign

The Integrity Icon Campaign has been instrumental in promoting good governance by supporting positive deviants within the state. The campaign identifies, celebrates, and empowers honest civil servants who demonstrate integrity to fosters a culture where ethical behavior is the norm rather than the exception. The campaign is impacting the recipients of the awards and communities alike because of the prestige that comes with being honored. The campaign’s growing influence is evident through government recognition, and partnerships with state accountability and anti-corruption actors. In 2024, the campaign celebrated five (5) icons who were identified through popular public participation. 

Furthermore, public engagement with the campaign has expanded significantly, with radio broadcasts reaching over 72,000 listeners and social media and media partnerships extending awareness to more than 109,789 people. These efforts have helped institutionalize integrity as a core value in public service, influencing both policy and practice within key state institutions

The 2024 Integrity Icon awardees at the 2024 II Awards Ceremony, joined by ALZ Board Chair Blessing Gorejena (left), Chitungwiza Hospital Public Relations Officer, 2024 Icon Audrey Tasaranarwo (second from left), Ward Development Coordinator and 2024 Icon, Simon Zinhoro (third from left), Principal Human Resources Officer and 2024 Icon Mpumelelo Musekiwa (center), Provincial Development Officer and 2024 Icon Merjorie Sikundla (third from right), USAID Zimbabwe’s Head of Democracy, Rights, and Governance Office Armindo Banze (second from right), and ALZ Country Director McDonald Lewanika (right).

Icons who were honored in previous years are using their icon status to push for integrity within their spaces in government and in their communities. Tariro Zitsenga, a nurse stationed at the biggest public hospital in the country introduced the  introduced the Change Champions Program at Parirenyatwa Hospital after being honored as an icon. For example, the nomination of Tariro Zitsenga as an Integrity Icon led to the establishment of a “Change Champions” program at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where hospital staff work collectively to improve service delivery and ethical conduct. Fundile Nkala, a teacher by profession and an icon, is working on the “Teacher Transfer Dashboard”, which she hopes will reduce corruption in teacher transfers through increasing transparency. An Icon from the Registrar Generals Department – infamous  for corruption in the issuance of key documents of citizenship – was  deployed to South Africa to lead the establishment of Zim’s consulate in the neighboring country. The Registrant General told the ALZ lab team that the deployment was because of the integrity he has demonstrated over the years and the icon status which the department could not ignore.

Over the years and with the number of icons increasing, ALZ has established a network of honest civil servants collectively pushing for change. By connecting Integrity Icons across different institutions, the campaign has fostered collaboration in addressing systemic corruption.

The Integrity Icon Campaign has had a significant impact on promoting integrity and accountability in public institutions by fostering a culture of ethical leadership and encouraging reform-minded civil servants to push for change. By publicly recognizing 15 Integrity Icons, the campaign has not only motivated individual civil servants but also influenced institutional practices. Additionally, the campaign has encouraged cross-sector collaboration, such as Integrity Icon Godfrey Dembure’s Teacher Transfer Dashboard, which is actively reducing bribery in teacher placements, and the Tech Class Initiative, which is expanding access to education while curbing corruption in extra lessons. 

Guests at the Integrity Icon Zimbabwe Ceremony signing the Integrity Icon Pledge — committing to uphold human rights and the safety of all people, support equity and the inclusion of diverse voices, and defend equal opportunities for everyone.

In 2024, the Traditional leaders embraced the integrity-building efforts at the grassroots level and partnered ALZ to host a local integrity awards ceremony in his community, broadening the campaign’s impact. Additionally, widespread public engagement through media has solidified integrity as a national conversation, inspiring ongoing governance reforms. Additionally, the campaign has highlighted the importance of grassroots engagement, as efforts like the Nkayi Integrity Awards have shown that integrity-driven conversations resonate more when they involve local communities, traditional leaders, and youth. At the grassroots level, the campaign has engaged communities in accountability discussions, particularly through partnerships like the Chief Dakamela’s Nkayi Integrity Awards, which brought traditional leaders, faith-based organizations, and local citizens into the conversation on governance.

Images of the 2024 Imiklomelo kaDakamele Integrity Awards in Nkayi.

A key lesson from this campaign is that recognition and public celebration of integrity can be a powerful tool in shifting cultural norms around governance. By “naming and faming” honest civil servants, the campaign has shown that positive reinforcement can inspire others to uphold ethical standards. Secondly, strategic partnerships with government institutions can enhance civic space and create opportunities for systemic change, as demonstrated by the campaign’s collaboration with ZACC and the Registrar General’s Department. Thirdly, technology-driven solutions can be effective in combating corruption, as seen with the Teacher Transfer Dashboard and Tech Class Initiative, which minimize direct human interactions that often lead to bribery. Lastly, leveraging mass media and storytelling has proven to be an effective way to amplify the movement, increasing public participation and buy-in from both civil servants and citizens. Innovations like the Tech Class Initiative have also improved educational access for rural learners.

Research and policy influencing

A major highlight was the production of four research papers covering key issues such as electoral accountability, drug and substance abuse, and the governance of the Mutapa Investment Fund. These papers were not only disseminated widely but also served as the foundation for two high-impact policy uptake meetings. These meetings, attended by parliamentarians, civil society actors, and media representatives, led to policy recommendations being raised in parliamentary debates, exemplifying the project’s influence in legislative spaces. The engagement of young parliamentarians in these discussions demonstrated the growing interest in governance reforms among emerging leaders.

One of the most impactful pieces of research conducted was the policy brief on Drugs and Substance Abuse. This document provided a governance and accountability lens on the issue, leading to increased funding allocations in the 2024 national budget, rising from USD 1.8 million to USD 1.2 billion. Furthermore, the policy note was quoted verbatim in Senate debates, underscoring its role in shaping legislative discourse. The government’s response included launching the Zimbabwe Multisectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024-2030, emphasizing improved coordination and accountability.

What makes the work sustainable?

The sustainability of civics and research work is driven by institutionalization, strong networks, data-driven approaches, community ownership, digital engagement, and policy influence. The structured CivActs model and capacity-building initiatives for policymakers ensure continuous citizen engagement and informed decision-making. Established partnerships with media, civil society organizations, and government agencies create a lasting ecosystem for governance discussions. Research-based advocacy, policy briefs, and knowledge-sharing sustain informed debates beyond project cycles. By empowering communities to co-create solutions and lead advocacy efforts, civic action networks ensure long-term accountability initiatives. Digital platforms and media amplification further sustain discourse, while legislative impact and systemic policy changes embed governance improvements into institutions. This comprehensive approach ensures that civic engagement and research efforts remain relevant, impactful, and independent of external support over time.

By investing in young leaders through mentorship, training, and resources, initiatives like the Accountability Incubator create a self-sustaining network of changemakers who continue to advance governance reforms. Digital tools, such as WhatsApp chatbots for municipal accountability and platforms for investigative journalism, ensure that citizen engagement remains scalable and cost-effective. These innovations reduce dependence on resource-heavy interventions while empowering communities to actively participate in governance. Additionally, the integration of arts and media through programs like Arts4Change and the Film Fellowship ensures that accountability efforts remain socially embedded, reaching diverse audiences through creative storytelling.

Institutionalizing integrity within public service further strengthens sustainability by fostering long-term systemic change. The Integrity Icon campaign, for instance, builds a network of ethical leaders within government institutions who continue to champion accountability beyond their recognition period. Strategic partnerships with agencies like the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Prosecuting Authority ensure that governance reforms gain traction at the policy level. Furthermore, technology-driven solutions such as the Teacher Transfer Dashboard and the Tech Class Initiative address structural governance challenges, embedding accountability into public service delivery. At the community level, grassroots initiatives and broad media outreach sustain public engagement, reinforcing a culture of transparency and ethical leadership. By leveraging leadership development, digital innovation, and community-driven advocacy, these efforts ensure long-lasting impact in the fight against corruption.

In terms of outcomes, what are we most proud of?

Accountability Lab Zimbabwe is proud of CivActs for their role in driving policy influence and systemic governance improvements. The CivActs model has proven to be a powerful tool for citizen-driven advocacy, enabling communities to surface critical governance issues and push for tangible policy changes. One of the most significant successes has been the policy brief on Drugs and Substance Abuse, which directly contributed to a major national policy shift. The 2024 national budget saw a dramatic increase in funding for state-led initiatives tackling drug abuse, rising from USD 1.8 million to USD 1.2 billion. This increase demonstrates how evidence-based advocacy, rooted in grassroots engagement, can translate into substantial governmental action, ensuring that citizen concerns are met with concrete policy commitments.

Another key achievement of CivActs has been its role in fostering transparency and accountability in public financial management, particularly through engagement on the Mutapa Investment Fund. By facilitating community discussions and ensuring that information on the fund’s governance was widely disseminated, CivActs played a crucial role in amplifying public scrutiny. This contributed to increased parliamentary debates and policy discussions, compelling policymakers to address concerns about transparency, oversight, and the management of national resources. The ability of CivActs to turn citizen concerns into legislative discussions underscores its effectiveness as a platform for civic engagement and governance reform.

Furthermore, the expansion of the MCOP highlights CivActs’ success in building sustainable networks for governance accountability. By fostering collaboration between journalists, civil society, and policymakers, CivActs has ensured that governance issues remain in the public eye. The MCOP’s sustained focus on governance, corruption, and service delivery has empowered media actors to hold authorities accountable, creating an ongoing dialogue that extends beyond short-term interventions. This expansion strengthens the ecosystem of accountability by equipping media professionals with the knowledge, resources, and networks needed to continuously monitor and report on governance issues, reinforcing the long-term impact of CivActs’ work.

In terms of outcomes, what are we most proud of?

Accountability Lab Zimbabwe takes great pride in the success of CivActs, which has been instrumental in driving policy influence and systemic governance improvements. The CivActs model has empowered communities to surface critical governance issues, leading to significant policy changes. One of the most notable achievements is the policy brief on Drugs and Substance Abuse, which played a direct role in increasing government funding for drug abuse initiatives from USD 1.8 million to USD 1.2 billion in the 2024 budget, demonstrating the power of evidence-based advocacy. CivActs has also contributed to transparency in public financial management, particularly through its engagement on the Mutapa Investment Fund, which led to increased parliamentary scrutiny and public awareness.

Additionally, the expansion of the Media Community of Practice (MCOP) has fostered collaboration between journalists, civil society, and policymakers, ensuring governance issues remain a central focus in public discourse. By equipping media professionals with knowledge and resources, CivActs has strengthened the accountability ecosystem, enabling sustained oversight of governance and service delivery issues.

The Accountability Incubator has successfully nurtured 43 Accountapreneurs, many of whom have established impactful initiatives such as the Matobo Youth Development Initiative (MYDI) and the Community Podium. These projects enhance civic engagement and transparency in local governance, proving that investing in young leaders fosters sustainable accountability movements. Through the Arts4Change Program, initiatives like Voice2Rep and the Film Fellowship have provided innovative platforms for young people to address governance issues through music and film. The documentary “The Water Thieves,” highlighting corruption in water administration in Bulawayo, sparked nationwide discussions and was showcased at the Bokola Film Festival. Similarly, the Voice2Rep album “Zvirimumoyo” has amplified young artists’ voices in advocating for governance reforms.

ALZ visits the Matobo Youth Incubation Center (picture on the right), where 2021 Accountapreneur Descent Deco Dube (Centre in image on the left) is championing accountability through youth empowerment, good governance capacitation workshops, entrepreneurship, and a sustainable mushroom production project.

Policy Influence and Governance Accountability

 $1.2 billion – Increase in national budget allocation for drug and substance abuse initiatives, up from $1.8 million, following the CivActs policy brief.

 2 Policy uptake meetings – Engaged Parliamentarians, civil society, and media, leading to heightened scrutiny of governance issues like the Mutapa Investment Fund.

 3 major governance themes addressed – Electoral accountability, drug and substance abuse, and financial transparency of state funds.

 379,000 digital participants – Engaged through online discussions, including Twitter Spaces, reflecting increased public interest in governance issues.

 200 journalists, editors, and communication practitioners – Now part of the expanded Media Community of Practice (MCOP), strengthening media oversight on governance.

IMPACT BY NUMBERS

Empowering Changemakers Through the Accountability Incubator

 43 Accountapreneurs supported – 20 women, 21 men, and 2 non-binary individuals.

 33 active initiatives – 10 still in the incubator, fostering grassroots accountability efforts.

 57 applications received – For the Accountability Incubator program.

 4,500 people reached online – Through outreach and capacity-building sessions.

IMPACT BY NUMBERS

Arts for Change – Film Fellowship & Voice2Rep

 Film Fellowship

  5 new fellows selected – From 86 applications (3 women, 2 men).

 34 filmmakers trained – 20 women, 1 transgender, 13 men.

 10 films showcased – At the Bokola Festival.

 2 provincial screenings – In Masvingo and Buhera.

“A Fragile Existence” – Watched by 335 viewers online.

IMPACT BY NUMBERS

Voice2Rep

 10 musicians selected – From 131 applicants (6 women, 4 men).

 4th NNAZ album Zvirimumoyo – 10 tracks produced, 1,900+ YouTube plays.

 Notable Achievements:

 Mike Cibeh (V2R 2024) – Awarded for Positive Social Impact, using socially conscious music for accountability.

 Banshee (2023 V2R) – Winner of Best Spoken Word at the 2024 Zim Hip Hop Awards; song “Defiance” (on gender-based violence) was runner-up in the social impact category.

IMPACT BY NUMBERS

Integrity Icon Campaign – Promoting Ethical Leadership

 Nominations increased – From 173 (2022) to 286 (2023), demonstrating growing recognition of ethical leadership.

 Government department participation grew – From 2 (2022) to 15 (2023), integrating integrity into public service.

 72,000+ listeners – Engaged through the Integrity Icon Awards Summit radio broadcast.

 109,789+ people reached – Through media coverage on ZBC TV, Star FM, and Radio Zimbabwe.

80,000 listeners – Engaged during the Star FM roadshow in Mbare, leading to 53 direct nominations from the public.

Overview of Objectives and Outcomes

ALZ implemented the “Strengthening Public Integrity and Community Engagement (SPICE) on Transparency and Accountability” project from June 2023 to October 2024 with support from “The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit” (GIZ). The SPICE project – anchored by CivActs – improved access to information and the quality and frequency of interactions between citizens and duty-bearers in Bulawayo and Chitungwiza. While the project empowered target communities to hold duty-bearers accountable, the project also encouraged citizens and duty bearers to co-create solutions to community challenges. The project had a direct reach of 24’356 and an indirect reach of 73’068 citizens. 

Throught the SPICE project, ALZ piloted Integrity Innovation Labs (IIL) in Zimbabwe with indications that there is scope for scaling. The IILs led by civil servants are reform-oriented coalitions made up of accountaprenuers, civil servants, community members, local authorities, law enforcement agencies, representatives from the anti-corruption commission and experts on various topics to address local challenges. The project’s approach of combining community-led initiatives with the expertise of civil servants has proven to be effective in addressing complex challenges and driving positive change. 

CivActs in Chitungwiza worked on land corruption while the teams in Bulawayo focused on urban mining. In Chitungwiza, the project produced a policy paper that investigates land corruption using the political settlements approach and a WhatsApp chatbot that provides residents with accurate and up-to-date information on land-related matters, empowering them to report instances of corruption and irregularities. In Bulawayo, the project facilitated dialogue on urban mining between the community, solution holders and mining companies. ALZ produced a documentary on urban mining  entitled “Time Bomb, The Impact of Urban Mining on the City of Bulawayo”. 

ALZ screened the documentary in Harare and Bulawayo to stimulate debate on the challenge of urban mining among key stakeholders at a national level. The documentary spotlighted and catalyzed conversations and influence urban mining policy and practice. The project generated valuable insights and informed policy through combining data-driven research with community engagement. In October 2024, ALZ convened a local government integrity summit in Harare. The Summit was a platform for civil society, residents associations, representatives of local authorities and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to discuss ethical leadership and transparency in local governance.

Impact and Lessons Learned

The impact of the SPICE project is evident in its ability to empower communities to act against corruption and demand better governance. In Chitungwiza, the project’s interventions led to the arrest of council officials implicated in land corruption. The WhatsApp chatbot provided residents with a reliable tool to report corruption anonymously, increasing citizen-led oversight. In Bulawayo, the project facilitated direct engagements between mining companies and affected communities, resulting in the mining companies contributing to solving community challenges such as water shortages and supporting underprivileged to access education.

Key lessons learned include the importance of working with both elected and appointed officials to ensure continuity in governance engagement, especially given Zimbabwe’s volatile political landscape. The project also reinforced the power of technology-based solutions, such as the chatbot, in enhancing transparency, though it highlighted the need for broader awareness and adoption of such tools. Furthermore, collaboration across sectors, including civil society, local authorities, and law enforcement, proved essential in addressing governance challenges effectively.

Sustainability of the Work

The establishment of Civic Action Teams is an essential initiative for the sustainability of the project as the teams will remain active in the communities and continue to push for accountability using the tools and skills from the SPICE Project beyond the project lifecycle. This is evidence that the project empowered communities to stand on their own and be able to demand their rights. 

The sustainability of the SPICE project lies in the institutionalization of accountability mechanisms within communities. The CivActs and Integrity Innovation Labs (IILs) will continue beyond the project’s lifespan, equipping citizens with the tools and skills to engage in governance oversight. The partnership with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has also strengthened institutional responses to corruption, ensuring that community concerns are addressed at higher levels.

Moreover, the documentary on urban mining, produced as part of the project, has created a lasting resource that can stimulate national discourse on mining governance. The development of an Integrity Manual provides a reference for local authorities and civil servants to uphold transparency and ethical leadership. Finally, the integration of digital solutions, such as the WhatsApp chatbot, presents a scalable model that can be expanded to other communities facing similar governance challenges.

Most proud of

The SPICE project takes great pride in its ability to empower citizens to act against corruption and hold leaders accountable. One of the most significant achievements was the arrest and prosecution of corrupt officials in Chitungwiza, following community-duty bearer engagements facilitated by the project. By equipping citizens with tools such as the WhatsApp chatbot, residents were able to report land fraud anonymously, leading to tangible legal consequences. In Bulawayo, the project successfully bridged the gap between communities and mining companies, ensuring that residents’ concerns about urban mining were heard. This engagement resulted in mining companies allocating resources for school tuition, clean water, and road rehabilitation, demonstrating the power of community-driven advocacy. 

Additionally, the urban mining documentary produced through the project has amplified governance discussions beyond the initial communities, sparking a national conversation on mining regulation and corporate responsibility. The project is also proud of the institutionalization of accountability mechanisms, including the CivActs and IIILs, which will continue to drive community-led oversight beyond the project’s lifespan. By fostering strong partnerships with ZACC and other stakeholders, the project has strengthened institutional responses to corruption, ensuring that citizen-led governance reforms are sustained in the long term.

By The Numbers

By the Numbers

How many participants did you have in 2024?

What training workshops were conducted?

BY THE NUMBERS

Responses collected from 12 communities.

Trained enumerators deployed.

Communities received intervention treatments.

Citizens directly engaged in Future Search Workshops.

Of workshop participants rated them as highly effective.

People benefited from Tree of Life’s mental health support programs.

ALZ in partnership with the Business and Human Rights Resource Center implemented the “Strengthening Initiative Towards Human Rights – Respecting Use of Digital Technologies in Africa Project”. The project raised awareness on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and encouraged the telecommunications sector to respect human rights and adopt policies that help them identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address their impacts on human rights. The project increased awareness of business and human rights principles by telecommunications companies and encouraged them to adopt explicit stand-alone human rights policies. The project promoted engagement and dialogue between mobile network operators, regulators, and civil society. High-level convenings between stakeholders facilitated insightful conversations on internet shutdowns, data privacy, and corporate accountability. 

The project commissioned a study in the inception phase of the project. The study – evaluating the human rights policies and practices within Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector – strengthened the evidence base for advocacy. According to the findings, most mobile network operators in Zimbabwe do not have explicit stand-alone human rights policies. Only one company had a human rights policy outlining rights of workers and consumers. Almost all participating telecommunications companies did not have explicit policies on the protection of children’s rights from the potential negative impacts of their work. The project also identified gaps in state mechanisms to address human rights violations by telecommunications companies despite the many consumer rights issues.

Impact and Lessons Learned

The impact of the project was most evident in breaking new ground in corporate accountability within the telecommunications sector. By engaging telecommunications companies in human rights conversations, the project fostered an unprecedented dialogue on digital governance, which had previously been absent in Zimbabwe. The project facilitated engagement between civil society and telecommunications stakeholders on their human rights obligations. This marked an important shift, as companies began to recognize their responsibilities beyond regulatory compliance. According to the MNOs, the high level convening was the first meeting they had attended specifically focusing on human rights.

Another key impact was the finalization of a research study on telecommunications and human rights, which identified critical policy gaps and highlighted areas for advocacy. The study found that only one telecommunications company in Zimbabwe has an explicit human rights policy, while most companies lack awareness programs on consumer digital rights. The research also revealed that Zimbabwe’s legal framework does not provide adequate safeguards against human rights violations by telecommunications companies, particularly regarding internet shutdowns and data privacy.

Key lessons learned included the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in addressing human rights challenges. Telecommunications companies were initially hesitant to participate in the survey due to concerns about reputational damage. However, individualized engagement and back-channel negotiations helped build trust and secure participation. Another lesson was that advocacy on digital rights requires a long-term approach, as corporate policy changes take time. The project also underscored the need for public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on their digital rights and the responsibilities of telecommunications providers.

Participants at the seminar on business and human rights in July 2024

The sustainability of the project is rooted in the institutional relationships and policy dialogues it established. The engagement with telecommunications companies, the telecoms regulator POTRAZ, civil society, and Chapter 12 commissions (such as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the Zimbabwe Media Commission) has laid the foundation for ongoing conversations on digital governance. The recommendations from the seminar have been integrated into national advocacy efforts, providing a roadmap for future engagements.

The project’s findings and recommendations were presented at the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) in Ghana in 2024. This demonstrated how local issues and approaches can be amplified and integrated at a regional level through Accountability Lab South and East Africa (ALESA).  Conversations initiated in one country can stimulate dialogue and action at a regional level.  The research findings serve as a baseline that can be used for advocacy and policy engagements.

Accountability Lab in Ghana for DRIF 2024

Moreover, the relationships established with journalists who attended the dissemination meetings present an opportunity to amplify digital rights issues through media coverage. The blog post on technology and human rights, published in the Resource Centre Africa Newsletter in November 2023, has further contributed to regional awareness of Zimbabwe’s digital rights landscape.

Most Proud Of

The sustainability of the project is ensured through:

One of the project’s greatest achievements was successfully engaging telecommunications companies in conversations about human rights and digital governance, a topic that had been largely ignored in Zimbabwe. The seminar on business and human rights was the first of its kind, allowing civil society to directly engage mobile network operators, the telecommunications regulator (POTRAZ), and the human rights commission. This groundbreaking dialogue represents a critical step towards promoting accountability within the telecommunications sector.

Another significant accomplishment was the study on human rights policies in the telecommunications sector. The study highlighted gaps in corporate policies, consumer rights awareness, and state regulation, providing concrete evidence for future advocacy. The dissemination of the findings in February 2024 allowed for further engagement with industry players, and the recommendations from these discussions will continue to shape national and regional advocacy efforts.

The project is also proud of its role in amplifying digital rights conversations beyond Zimbabwe. By securing a session at the DRIF in Ghana, Accountability Lab has positioned itself as a key player in regional discussions on business and human rights in the digital space. This expansion of influence demonstrates the long-term impact and relevance of the project.

1 research study completed – Evaluating human rights policies in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector.

2 major convenings held – A seminar on business and human rights (July 2023) and a research validation meeting (February 2024), engaging telecommunications companies, regulators, civil society, and human rights commissions.

1 policy dialogue secured at the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) in Ghana (2024) – Ensuring regional visibility for the project’s findings.

1 blog post published – On technology and human rights, featured in the Resource Centre Africa Newsletter in November 2023.

1 ongoing advocacy effort – Engaging telecommunications companies to develop human rights policies aligned with international best practices.

Research study completed

Major convenings held

Policy dialogue

Blog post published

Ongoing advocacy effort