FAWEZI, through its Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, participated in the 2nd edition of Zimbabwe Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Week, held in Masvingo from 31 August to 4 September 2026.

Organised by the National Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Department in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), United Nations Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Evaluation Association (ZEA), the event was held under the theme: “Advancing Vision 2030, SDGs & Agenda 2063 through Public Sector Service Delivery: Transformation of MEL & Data Systems.”

The event brought together more than 1,000 participants, including delegates from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It was officially opened by the Vice President of Zimbabwe, Hon. Col. (Rtd.) Dr K.C.D. Mohadi, who also launched the Key Performance Indicators Handbook for the Second National Development Strategy (NDS2).

Advancing Evidence-Based Decision-Making

The week featured discussions on strengthening monitoring, evaluation and learning systems to improve public sector performance, accountability and service delivery. Key sessions explored digital transformation for real-time decision-making, evaluability assessments, the National Evaluation Capacities Index (INCE) Survey Report 2026, and the integration of MEL evidence into national planning and budgeting.

Participants also examined financing MEL systems, data-driven public procurement and the role of adaptive monitoring and evaluation in strengthening local authority service delivery. Contributions from councils in Harare, Bulawayo, Chitungwiza, Mutare, Gweru and Masvingo highlighted the importance of using evidence to respond to community needs and improve service delivery.

Embracing Innovation, Inclusion and Community Voices

Artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation and citizen-responsive data systems featured prominently, alongside discussions on equitable evaluation practices. Training on participatory and equitable evaluation, rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu, reinforced the importance of inclusive approaches that recognise the experiences and perspectives of communities.

The dedicated strand for Young Emerging Evaluators (YEEs), including sessions on AI-driven data analytics, also highlighted opportunities to strengthen youth participation and build the next generation of evaluation professionals.

The programme concluded with a plenary on Theory of Change and Results Frameworks, a call to action on MEL resolutions, and excursions to the Great Zimbabwe National Monuments and Lake Mutirikwi.

Strengthening FAWEZI’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

Participation in MEL Week provided FAWEZI with valuable insights, opportunities for professional learning and networking, and exposure to emerging approaches in data systems, evaluation and evidence-informed decision-making.

These lessons will contribute to strengthening FAWEZI’s MEL practice, supporting more effective programme monitoring, learning and accountability, and generating evidence to inform programming and advocacy for equitable, quality education and opportunities for all.

Through continually strengthening its monitoring, evaluation and learning systems, FAWEZI remains committed to using evidence to inform decisions, demonstrate programme progress and contribute to meaningful and sustainable education outcomes.