Zimbabwe: Technical Assistance Report-Report on Data Quality Assessment for Public Sector Debt Statistics Mission (February 6–12, 2025)
Technical Assistance Reports, June 4, 2025
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- Zimbabwe: Technical Assistance Report-Report on Data Quality Assessment for Public Sector Debt Statistics Mission (February 6–12, 2025)
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Bibliographic details
- Published: June 4, 2025
- Series: Technical Assistance Reports
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229013154.019
Overview
- The report discusses the findings and recommendations of the 2025 assessment of the data quality of the public debt statistics of Zimbabwe against the IMF’s Data Quality Assessment Framework (DQAF).
- The assessment was undertaken as part of a project to strengthen the quality of public sector debt statistics (PSDS) in selected African countries, funded by the Government of Japan.
- Discussions with various stakeholders and review of data received and published indicate that Zimbabwe’s public debt statistics are broadly reliable and continue to improve.
- Responsibility for debt management and reporting is clearly specified and established in the law.
- The flow of information needed to compile Zimbabwe’s public sector debt statistics is efficient, well-coordinated, audited annually by the Auditor-General, and the report presented to Parliament.
- Compilation methods broadly follow international statistical standards and there is evidence of strong and frictionless oversight provided by the top management of Zimbabwe’s Public Debt Management Office.
- The report noted the need for sustained commitment by top management to enhance debt data quality, transparency, and accountability.
Key Findings
- Zimbabwe’s public debt statistics are broadly reliable and continue to improve.
- Legal framework: responsibility for debt management and reporting is clearly specified and established in the law.
- Data flow and coordination: the flow of information for PSDS compilation is efficient and well-coordinated.
- Audit and accountability: debt statistics are audited annually by the Auditor-General and the report is presented to Parliament.
- Methodology: compilation methods broadly follow international statistical standards.
- Governance: strong and frictionless oversight is provided by the top management of Zimbabwe’s Public Debt Management Office.
- Institutional emphasis: the report highlights the need for sustained commitment by top management to further enhance debt data quality, transparency, and accountability.
Main Recommendations
- Expand the sector coverage of the public debt reports to include direct non-guaranteed borrowing of public units outside the budgetary central government.
- Assess the materiality of liabilities related to public private partnerships (PPPs) and financial leases.
- Expand debt instruments to include expenditure arrears and other accounts payable.
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- Zimbabwe: Technical Assistance Report-Report on Data Quality Assessment for Public