The slow pace of Zimbabwe's industrialization and modernization has been attributed to a perceived overemphasis on ethical policing by professional bodies, with little and in some cases no attention is paid to innovation, business development, and capacity building.
To address this gap, the Indigenous Advisory Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe (IAPAZ) has taken a proactive approach, going beyond traditional professional ethics to foster growth and development.
IAPAZ recognizes that while ethical conduct is essential, it alone is insufficient to drive economic progress.
The association has implemented a number of comprehensive programs aimed at building the capacity of professionals, promoting innovation, and fostering collaboration across diverse sectors.
By providing a platform for networking, cross cutting capacity building, and knowledge sharing, IAPAZ seeks to empower professionals to contribute more effectively to Zimbabwe's economic development.
IAPAZ is actively engaging with stakeholders, including specific professional bodies and government ministries and departments, to propose alignment of the legal and policy framework with the country's current national development thrust.
This thrust emphasizes innovation, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and a sense of national belonging among Zimbabweans. By advocating for a supportive regulatory environment, IAPAZ aims to create a conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive and contribute to the nation's economic growth.
IAPAZ President, Nyasha Gonese, emphasized that the association is not competing with other professional bodies but is working closely with them to enhance the capacity of professionals and promote economic growth.
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"While IAPAZ strongly subscribes to ethical and sustainable practices by professionals, we believe that collaborations with professional bodies on business development and capacity building will unlock the sleeping giant that is Zimbabwe," he stated.
The need for such initiatives is underscored by Zimbabwe's import bill, which reached a staggering 9.22 billion dollars in 2023, up from 8.62 billion dollars in 2022. This highlights the country's reliance on imports, even for basic goods like vegetables, which accounted for 8.5 million dollars of the import bill.
IAPAZ believes that by empowering local professionals and fostering innovation, Zimbabwe can reduce its reliance on imports and boost domestic production.
