Transparency (Open Budget Index) 35/100
The Government of Zimbabwe provides the public with minimal budget information.
Public Participation 15/100
The Government of Zimbabwe is weak in providing the public with opportunities to engage in the budget process.
Budget Oversight
By legislature 21/100
Budget oversight by the legislature in Zimbabwe is weak.
By auditor 33/100
Budget oversight by the supreme audit institution in Zimbabwe is weak.
Recommendations
Improving Transparency
Zimbabwe should prioritize the following actions to improve budget transparency:
- Publish the Enacted Budget and Audit Report.
- Produce and publish a Citizens Budget and a Year-End Report.
- Increase the comprehensiveness of the Executive’s Budget Proposal.
Improving Participation
Zimbabwe should prioritize the following actions to improve budget participation:
- Establish credible and effective mechanisms (i.e., public hearings, surveys, focus groups) for capturing a range of public perspectives on budget matters.
- Hold legislative hearings on the budgets of specific ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as on audit reports at which testimony from the public is heard.
- Establish formal mechanisms for the public to assist the supreme audit institution to formulate its audit program and participate in audit investigations.
Improving Oversight
Zimbabwe should prioritize the following actions to strengthen budget oversight:
- Ensure the Executive’s Budget Proposal is provided to legislators at least three months before the start of the budget year.
- Ensure the executive receives prior approval from the legislature before implementing a supplemental budget.
- Grant the supreme audit institution full powers to undertake audits as it sees fit.