The Centre for Public Policy and Devolution (CPPD) was established by the Midlands State University in 2020 as a place for research leading to policy and institutional reforms, as well as capacity development for state officials both technical and political across the three tiers of government and other arms of the state, community, civil society and the private sector. To achieve its purpose the Centre combines resources from the University’s ten (10) Faculties as well as strategic resources from other local, regional, and international partners.

Vision

To be a globally recognised research centre influencing evidence-based policymaking, fostering good governance, and driving positive societal transformation for the benefit of all.

Mission Statement

To bridge the gap between research and policy by producing actionable insights, engaging with stakeholders, and influencing decision-making processes to create positive policy outcomes and drive sustainable development.

Core Values

The Centre adheres to the following values:

Questioning

The Centre prides itself in asking questions about policies, practices and structures on an on-going basis to ensure understanding of issues, outcomes and processes.

Responsiveness

Providing knowledge that is actionable in contexts of immediate and long term demands of state policymaking and engaging broadly with government, civic, business and other entities that are critical to the public policy.

Excellence

A commitment to hard work through excellence in research, innovation, and scholarly activities. This value emphasises the Centre’s dedication to producing high-quality work and contributing to advancements in knowledge and understanding.

Integrity

Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in all research activities. Integrity ensures that research is conducted with honesty, fairness, and respect for research participants, colleagues, and stakeholders.

Collaboration

Integrate Ubuntu in collaborative and interdisciplinary research. Collaboration encourages the exchange of ideas, expertise, and resources among researchers within the centre and with external partners, promoting innovation, synergy, and the pursuit of comprehensive solutions to complex challenges. Ubuntu encourages collaboration and research grounded in culture, values and norms constituting the environment the centre operates in.

Diversity and Inclusion

Embracing and promoting diversity in all its forms, including diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences. This value recognises that diverse research teams and inclusive research environments foster creativity, collaboration, and the generation of more comprehensive and impactful insights.

Continuous Learning

A commitment to lifelong learning, professional development, and staying at the forefront of research advancements. This value emphasizes the importance of cultivating a culture of continuous learning, encouraging researchers, staff, and stakeholders to expand their knowledge, skills, and expertise.

Our Approach

The CPPD seeks to:

  • provide rigorous, evidence based and policy relevant research to inform practical and innovative solutions to the development challenges in Zimbabwe
  • offer strategic support in devolution implementation to state officials (technical and political) across the three tiers of government 
  • provide high quality capacity development in the fields of devolution and public policy, through short and long term introductory and specialised training programmes. 

The above will be achieved through collaboration with various stakeholders:  local, regional and global. 

 Purpose

  • assist the Government of Zimbabwe frame devolution implementation, build the necessary consensus, draw lessons and creatively devise necessary institutional reforms;
  • help design, implement, monitor and evaluate a devolved governance agenda;
  • provide appropriate technical and policy skills necessary for the practical implementation and evaluation of devolution for the three tiers of government, community, CSOs and private sector institutions;
  • promote dialogue on public policy issues;
  • create a platform for researchers and original ideas on public policy.

Research Themes

Our research addresses critical public policy issues across all sectors. 

Support modes and outcomes

To achieve its purpose, the Centre as a bellwether institution and think tank on public policy and devolution will cover strategic sectors through the following strategies and activities:

  • Policy and action oriented research;
  • Short courses in areas such as finance, administration, planning, infrastructure provision, community participation among others;
  • Mentoring/coaching or accompaniment of strategic officials and institutions;
  • Lectures and Seminars;
  • Conferences;
  • Consultancy and advisory work;
  • Building networks within Zimbabwe and linking these to other strategic institutions outside Zimbabwe; and
  • Consolidating lessons / best practices from local and external study visits.

Target beneficiaries and delivery partnerships

The primary focus is on officials across the three tiers of government, civil society, the private sector and communities.