ZimStat Launches Nationwide Survey to Rank Local Authority Competitiveness

The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency and the National Competitiveness Commission launched a nationwide survey to assess and rank all 92 local authorities. According to state media, the 2026 Rural and Urban Councils Competitiveness Index Survey aims to identify governance gaps and improve service delivery. Local government officials welcomed the initiative but warned that chronic underfunding and central government interference hamper municipal performance. Residents hope the rankings will force corrupt or incompetent local councils to improve basic services like water and sanitation. The initiative's success hinges on whether the central government will devolve financial power to underperforming councils.