July 2023 FY 2023 Zimbabwe Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team Acknowledgements The Zimbabwe Country Opinion Survey is part of the Country Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group (WBG). This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Zimbabwe country team and independent fielding agency, Mass Public Opinion Institute (MPOI). In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Cheryl Khuphe (External Affairs Officer), who coordinated the survey-related activities from Harare, Zimbabwe. Contents Objectives Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work and Activities The Future Role of the WBG in Zimbabwe Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in gaining a better understanding about how stakeholders in Zimbabwe perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? Have the priorities changed over the past three years? 2. What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG when it comes to its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Zimbabwe’s development priorities, as well as other key indicators? Are opinions improving or worsening? 3. How is the WBG perceived as a development partner? Are opinions improving or worsening? 4. What do key stakeholders value the most and the least when it comes to the WBG’s work at the country level? What are the priorities for the future? 5. What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG’s knowledge products and their quality? Are opinions improving or worsening? 6. What are the preferred communication channels, and which channels are reported to be used the most? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. What key topics of WBG communications do stakeholders recall? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WBG’s work? 4 Overall Context “Enhance collaboration with other development partners and co-finance operations in anticipation … [of] a post-arrears clearance scenario. …Support CSO and accountability structures of the Government.” Bilateral / Multilateral Agency Respondent “[Support] financial inclusion for vulnerable groups in the society. You can't talk of empowerment without making access to financial services easier.” Academia Respondent Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? 5 Respondents are Divided about whether Zimbabwe is Headed in the Right Direction Similar to FY20, 4 in 10 respondents in Zimbabwe indicated that the country is headed in the right FY23 FY20 direction and a similar number indicated the country is headed in the wrong direction. In FY23, there were significant stakeholder group 39% 36% differences in perceptions of the country’s direction. The right direction Specifically, respondents from government principals (59%), government institutions (52%), and local governments (55%) were significantly more likely to feel Zimbabwe is headed in the right direction The wrong direction compared to respondents from bilateral/multilateral 41% 47% agencies (38%), civil society (28%), the private sector (19%), academia (15%), and the media (31%). Not sure 20% 17% Q In general, would you say that Zimbabwe is headed in ... ? (FY23 N=298; FY20 N=188) 6 Familiarity with the World Bank Group Mean Familiarity Rating Year comparison: Respondents in this year’s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Country Survey reported significantly lower levels of familiarity with the World Bank Group as compared All Respondents 5.8 to FY20: Mean familiarity rating: FY23 = 5.8; Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 6.3 FY20 = 6.2. Private Sector 6.2 Collaboration: Respondents who collaborate with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of Media 6.1 familiarity with the institution’s work: Mean familiarity rating: Collaborate with WBG = 6.1 Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank 5.8 Do not collaborate = 5.0 Government Principals 5.7 Government Institution 5.6 Local Government 5.5 Civil Society 5.4 Statistically similar across stakeholder groups How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Zimbabwe? Q Scale: 1-10 (1: Not familiar at all – 10: Extremely familiar) 7 Trust in Institutions Mean Trust Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The United Nations (UN), academia, and the 7.3 United Nations (UN)* 6.5 World Bank Group were the most trusted institutions in Zimbabwe among those studied. Academia / think tanks / research institutions 7.1 At the same time, government institutions in 7.1 Zimbabwe were the least trusted among The World Bank Group* 6.4 respondents, including the national government, 6.8 local governments, the Parliament, and the Civil society* 5.7 Reserve Bank. 6.8 International Monetary Fund (IMF)* Of note, ratings of trust were significantly higher in 5.9 FY23 than in the FY20 survey for all institutions 6.8 Regional development banks* FY23 that could be compared, including the national 6.2 government and the Reserve Bank. FY20 6.6 Private sector* 5.3 6.0 Media* 5.2 5.3 National government* 4.5 5.2 Local government 5.1 Parliament/legislative branch *significantly different 5.0 between years Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe* 4.3 To what extent do you trust each of the following groups to do what is right? Q Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all – 10: To a very significant degree) 8 World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas “Assist developing platforms … [in] sharing experiences and draft effective policies in agriculture which support sustainable development. [Support] capacity building of government employees (for example, short courses or post graduate courses) which address Zimbabwean challenges. Offer loans as opposed to grants in development initiatives. Loans make ownership and sustainability easier.” Government Institution Respondent “[The WBG] should finance government … infrastructure development, such as hospitals, resuscitation of industries, equipping hospitals, and [place an] emphasis on governance … accountability.” Civil Society Respondent Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? 9 Development Areas Macroeconomic stability 56% for WBG Focus Health 51% Public sector governance 42% Macroeconomic stability and health were the top Job creation / employment 35% areas in FY23 where stakeholders would like the WBG Top priority for local Water supply and sanitation infrastructure 31% to focus its resources, followed by public sector government (71%) governance and job creation. Debt sustainability 30% Education 26% In FY20, respondents identified public sector Private sector development 24% governance (29%) and economic growth (29%) as top development priorities in Zimbabwe, followed by health Agriculture and food security 23% (27%), water and sanitation (26%), and Transport 23% agriculture/rural development (20%). Social protection 20% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Social unclusion 18% Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? Disaster risk management 16% “Work closely with central government to identify areas needing development.” Government Institution Respondent Regional integration 13% “Support gaps in heath, [gender-based violence] GBV response Climate change 13% services and education.” Civil Society Respondent Trade 13% Urban development 13% “Increase consultation and assist more on issues around healthy and water supply and sanitation.” Gender equity 12% Government Institution Respondent Digital development 10% “Help resuscitate the economy through loans and funding relevant projects.” Private Sector Respondent Energy / Extractives 9% Which areas should the World Bank Group prioritize in its work in Environment / Natural resource management 9% Q Zimbabwe to have the most impact on development results in the Tourism development 4% country? (Choose no more than 5) (N=298) Effectiveness of WBG’s Mean Effectiveness Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Support in Sectoral Areas Agriculture and food security* 5.6 6.8 6.6 The WBG’s work in the area of agriculture and food Climate change* 6.0 security and climate change in Zimbabwe received the highest ratings of effectiveness, and both Gender equity 6.4 significantly improved compared to FY20. 6.1 However, the ratings for the WBG’s effectiveness in Education 6.3 5.9 public sector governance and macroeconomic Top 3 Priorities stability – two of the top 3 areas respondents wanted for WBG Focus 6.2 the WBG to focus on – were much lower. Indeed, Health 5.9 ratings for the WBG’s effectiveness in public sector FY23 governance were significantly lower in FY23 Environment / Natural resource 6.2 management* 5.5 FY20 compared to FY20. 6.1 It should be noted that, although ratings for Social protection* 4.9 macroeconomic stability were the lowest across all sectors, respondents from government principals, 5.4 Private sector development government institutions, bilateral/multilateral 5.7 agencies, and the private sector rated the WBG’s work in this area significantly more effective (mean 5.3 Tourism development ratings =5.6, 5.5, 5.3, and 5.4, respectively) than respondents from local governments, civil society, 5.3 Public sector governance* academia, or the media (mean=4.7, 4.9, 4.1, and 4.5, 6.4 respectively). 5.1 How EFFECTIVE do you believe the World Bank Group is in terms of Macroeconomic stability Q the work it does in the following areas of development in Zimbabwe? *Significantly different between years (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”), Scale: 1-10 (1: Not effective at all – 10: Very effective) Unsafe Drinking Water was the Top Concern for Climate Change More than 8 in 10 respondents were very concerned about unsafe drinking water (82%) when it comes to the potential impacts of climate change in Zimbabwe. The loss of jobs, public health, and decreased crop yields were also of great concern to respondents. Not at all A little Somewhat concerned Very concerned Unsafe drinking water 82% Loss of jobs 78% Effects on public health 76% Decreased crop yields/food insecurity 75% Diminished water supply for people and the economy 70% More frequent and severe droughts / heatwaves 69% Increase in natural disasters 67% More frequent and severe floods 66% Land and forest degradation 58% Forest fires 52% Air pollution 52% Extinction of plant/animal species 41% Climate-driven migration 40% Increase erosion of shoreline 14% Q What is your level of concern for each of the potential impacts of climate change as it affects your country? (N=~291) 12 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “Assist in poverty alleviation by providing health facilities, bringing clean water to the people, [and] providing the following: - decent housing, - quick affordable transport systems, - providing pensions for [the] elderly who cannot work any more, - providing education, - empowering communities to be self-reliant, and - open[ing] up industries where people can work.” Government Institution Respondent Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? 13 Key Performance Indicators In FY23, there was improvement across all key performance indicator questions, significantly so for the WBG’s relevance, alignment, and influence. (Although ratings for the WBG’s effectiveness in achieving development results showed a strong trend in improvement, it did not reach statistical significance). FY23 FY20 Percentage points change from FY20 Mean Mean -8 +2 +6 Relevance* 52% 31% 17% 6.5 5.9 Ends extreme poverty 59% 22% 19% 6.3 N/A -4 +4 Alignment* 60% 25% 14% 6.2 5.8 -5 +1 +4 Effectiveness in achieving results^ 59% 31% 11% 6.2 5.8 -1 +1 Influence* 61% 31% 9% 6.1 5.7 *Significantly different between years Low (1-6) Medium (7-8) High (9-10) The World Bank Group currently plays a relevant role in development in Zimbabwe. Scale: 1-10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) Q The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Zimbabwe, Scale: 1 -10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development agenda in Zimbabwe? Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all– 10: To a very significant degree) How effective has the World Bank Group been in achieving development results in Zimbabwe? Scale: 1-10 (1: Not effective at all– 10: Very effective) The World Bank Group’s work helps end extreme poverty in Zimbabwe. Scale: 1 -10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) ^A mean score of the two questions asked in FY20: Overall, please rate your impression of the World Bank Group’s effectiveness in Zimbabwe. Scale: 1-10 (1: Not effective at all– 14 10: Very effective); To what extent does the World Bank Group’s work help to achieve development results in Zimbabwe? Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all– 10: To a very significant degree) Key Performance Indicators: Regional Comparison The mean ratings for respondents’ trust in the WBG in Zimbabwe were statistically similar to those in Eastern and Southern Africa, and Blend countries surveyed in FY22; however, ratings for the WBG’s effectiveness, relevance, alignment, and influence were significantly lower in Zimbabwe than in other Eastern and Southern Africa, and Blend countries. 7.1 Trust 7.0 7.0 6.5 Relevance 7.0 Zimbabwe FY23 7.2 6.2 Eastern and Aligned with 6.8 Priorities Southern Africa 6.5 FY22 6.2 Blend FY22 Effectiveness in 7.0 achieving results 7.1 6.1 Influence 7.2 7.2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating FY22 Eastern and Southern Africa countries included: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Sudan Q FY22 Blend countries included: Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire 15 Familiarity Leads to More Mean Effectiveness Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Positive Perceptions 7.5 Relevance 6.0 Comparing ratings of key performance indicators among respondents highly familiar with the WBG (ratings of 8-10 on a 10-point scale) and those with 7.4 little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10- Effectiveness in achieving results point scale), the impact that familiarity has on 5.3 perceptions of performance becomes evident. Those who were highly familiar with the WBG 7.3 had significantly more positive perceptions of Ends extreme poverty the WBG’s work in Zimbabwe. 6.3 7.2 Alignment 5.6 All significantly different between high and low familiarity 7.2 Influence 5.5 High familiarity with WBG (8-10) Low familiarity with WBG (1-4) How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Zimbabwe? Scale: 1-10 (1: Not familiar at all – 10: Extremely familiar) The World Bank Group currently plays a relevant role in development in Zimbabwe. Scale: 1-10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Zimbabwe, Scale: 1-10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) Q To what extent does the WBG influence the development agenda in Zimbabwe? Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all– 10: To a very significant degree) How effective has the World Bank Group been in achieving development results in Zimbabwe? Scale: 1-10 (1: Not effective at all– 10: Very effective) 16 The World Bank Group’s work helps end extreme poverty in Zimbabwe. Scale: 1-10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) Overall Ratings for Indicator Questions Mean Rating Respondents from bilateral/multilateral 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 agencies had the highest mean ratings for the aggregated responses to the sixteen COS All Respondents 6.3 indicator questions, whereas respondents from academia and local governments had the Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 6.7 lowest mean ratings. However, this did not reach statistical significance. Private Sector 6.4 Collaboration: Respondents who collaborate with the WBG had higher mean ratings for the Civil Society 6.3 aggregated responses to the sixteen indictor questions compared to respondents who do not Media 6.3 collaborate with the WBG. However, it did not reach statistical significance: Government Institution 6.3 Collaborate with WBG = 6.4; Government Principals 6.3 Do not collaborate with the WBG = 6.2 Academia/Research 6.1 Institute/Think Tank Local Government 6.0 Mean Ratings for the sixteen COS Indicator Questions by Stakeholder Groups on a Scale from 1 to 10. Q These selected indicators are listed at the end of this report. 17 World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground “Increase WBG visibility in engaging and collaborating more with the private sector, civil society, and [the] national government, providing evidence-based analytical reports that may help in building confidence among the parties and in coming up with appropriate policies.” Respondent from Civil Society “Consult widely, for example, with local businesses, local authorities, local NGOs; … fund and assist technically as they do their work because they are the ones on the ground. They know the local conditions better.” Government Institution Respondent Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? 18 Greatest Value % of Respondents Financial resources, bringing together stakeholders, Providing financial resources 41% Significantly more valued and advisory services and analytics continued to be (i.e., Trust Funds) by government principals the most valued activities of the WBG in Zimbabwe. (40%) and institutions (47%), bilaterals/multilaterals (63%), Bringing together different stakeholder and private sector (54%) The perceived value of the WBG’s financial resources groups (including other development and bringing together stakeholders increased in FY23, agencies and donors) to support 37% that is, from 25% to 41% and from 7% to 37%, Zimbabwe’s development efforts respectively, in FY20. Providing advisory services and In contrast, capacity development decreased from 33% analytics to support design or 36% implementation of policies in FY20 to 24% in FY23; however, it was still particularly valued among respondents from government institutions and the media. Producing research on global development issues (e.g., reports, 28% Significantly more valued by local publications, research papers) government (40%), civil society (39%), In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank academia (49%), and media (39%) Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? “Continue to train staff on poverty issues, data analysis and data anonymization. The World Bank should continue to provide technical Capacity building and training 24% Significantly more valued by and financial support to Zimbabwe.” government institutions (38%) and media (39%) Government Institution Respondent “1. provide funds and grants for development projects; 2. leverage Mobilizing third-party additional resources for projects; 3. [provide] capacity building for financial resources 17% government officials.” Government Institution Respondent “Reengagement of the state, provision of trust funds, [and] supporting critical studies.” Bilateral/Multilateral Agency Respondent Providing data and statistics 11% Q When thinking about the World Bank Group’s role in Zimbabwe, which activity do you VALUE the most? (Choose no more than 2) ( N=289) 19 The WBG as a Development Partner Mean Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The WBG was seen as a responsive, long-term 6.6 partner in Zimbabwe. Being a long-term partner 6.5 In FY23, perceptions of the WBG’s responsiveness to needs and flexibility when circumstances change were significantly higher than in FY20. 6.2 Responsiveness to needs* 5.0 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG FY23 could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? FY20 “Provide capacity building services to service providers, fund 5.7 research to do conservation and human capacitation to alleviate Access to WBG staff and experts poverty, fund developmental projects, fund policy formulation and 5.9 enforcement strategies to curb corruption. Please focus on key water and sanitation, service provision matters in growing rural centers and institution. Assist in the regulation of water tariffs to enable utilities to be viable.” Utility Company Respondent 5.6 Flexibility when circumstances change* “To be responsive to the requests by agents seeking assistance 4.9 from the WBG.” Government Institution Respondent *Significantly different between years To what extent is the World Bank Group an effective development partner in Zimbabwe, in terms of Q each of the following?, Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all – 10: To a very significant degree) 20 The WBG should Collaborate More with Civil Society according to Respondents % of Respondents A majority of respondents indicated that the WBG Civil society (e.g., NGOs, CBOs) 51% should collaborate more with civil society, followed by the national government, and private sector. The national government 47% Private sector 43% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? Other donors and development partners 39% “Collaborating more with other development agencies and donors so that the work is more impactful (greater reach or more resources).” Bilateral / Multilateral Agency Respondent Academia / think tanks / research institutions 34% “Engage university hubs.” Government Institution Respondent Local government 29% “To work more with the media through engagements, updates, upskilling and resource support. More engagements and support for Regional development banks (e.g., African Development Bank) 24% [civil society organizations] CSOs involved in community development [is also needed].” Media Respondent Parliament/legislative branch 19% “Direct [the] WBG's actions, contributions and support directly to beneficiaries such as [the] private sector, civil society, etc.” Bilateral / Multilateral Agency Respondent Media 10% 21 Q Which THREE of the following groups should the WBG collaborate with more in Zimbabwe? (Choose no more than 3) (N=293) WBG as a Development Partner in Terms of Collaboration with Stakeholders The WBG received the highest mean ratings for its collaboration with other donors and development 7.1 Other donors and development partners* partners in Zimbabwe. 6.4 In addition, respondents rated the WBG’s collaboration Regional development banks 6.8 with other donors, civil society, and the private sector significantly higher this year as compared to FY20. 6.6 Civil society* 5.8 Of note, ratings for the WBG’s collaboration with the national government of Zimbabwe received similar 6.2 Academia / think tanks / research institutions ratings to FY20. These ratings were lower than for several other key stakeholder groups. FY23 6.1 FY20 Private sector* 5.5 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank 5.9 Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? The national government 5.9 “Consult with communities more than the Government [including]: people with disabilities, rural communities, people in poverty including the urban 5.6 Media poor.” Civil Society Respondent “Increased engagement and programming with CSOs and [non- 5.5 Local government governmental organizations] NGOs to assist in areas of deep need, unlike the current position where because of the national government's *Significantly different issues, underlying participants are also punished through [the] 5.1 between years withdrawal … of funding for programs.” Parliament/legislative branch Civil Society Respondent 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Q To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Zimbabwe, in terms of collaborating with the following groups: (1-Strongly disagree, 10-Strongly agree) 22 World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work and Activities “[Ensure] more and regular communication[s] with target[ed] interest parties on ongoing activities and sharing of knowledge and comparative developments from other countries.” Private Sector Respondent “[The] WBG needs need to listen to the concerns of communities in their diversity. An intervention that might work for one community, like in Binga, might not work in Muzarabani, because of things like different cultures.” Academia Respondent Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? 23 WBG’s Knowledge Work The majority of respondents reported that they had used the WBG’s knowledge work. Respondents from government principals and the media Use of the WBG’s advisory were significantly less likely to have used the WBG’s services and analytics knowledge work (46% and 54%, respectively) compared to respondents from other stakeholder groups. 11% 28% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank 61% Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? “Assist entities like ZIMSTAT to come up with data that is bespoke to [the] Provinces. The entity's data is often two-three years behind; … hence, it would be difficult to use it.” Government Principal Respondent “Alignment of global policies to the national policies, for example, environmental safeguards, resettlement issues, etc.” Yes No Not sure Government Institution Respondent “It could place more researchers in Zimbabwe.” Parliament Respondent Q Have you used the WBG’s advisory services and analytics in the past? (N=292) 24 WBG’s Knowledge Work Mean Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Respondents had the highest levels of agreement that the WBG brings its global expertise, and that they plan 7.3 The WBG brings global expertise to Zimbabwe as to use the WBG’s knowledge work in the future. part of its advisory services and analytical work.* 6.6 Respondents gave the lowest ratings for the contribution significance of the WBG’s knowledge 7.1 I anticipate using the WBG's advisory services and work to development results and for the WBG’s advice analytical work in the future. and recommendations being tailored to Zimbabwe. However, both ratings significantly improved since FY20. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s advisory 6.8 services and analytical work in Zimbabwe. It should be noted that respondents who had used the FY23 WBG’s knowledge work in the past had significantly 6.6 FY20 higher levels of agreement that they were satisfied with The WBG’s advisory services and analytical work the quality (mean=7.1); that the work was timely are timely.* 5.5 (mean=6.8); and that is was tailored to Zimbabwe (mean=6.4); and that they anticipate using WBG 6.4 knowledge work in the future (mean=7.3) as compared Significant contribution to development results* to respondents who had not used the WBG’s knowledge 5.6 work (means=3.5; 3.8; 3.9; and 6.3, respectively). 6.2 The WBG’s advice and recommendations are tailored to Zimbabwe’s context.* 5.1 *Significantly different between years To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1-10 (1: Strongly disagree– 10: Strongly agree) Q How significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities make to development results in Zimbabwe? Scale: 1-10 (1: Not significant at all– 10: Very significant) 25 ^In FY20, this option was “Are adaptable to Zimbabwe’s specific development challenges and country circumstances* The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Zimbabwe “It is important to assist in building capacity so that the country can be self-sustaining and not rely on donor funds. [The] WBG can also ensure that there are proper structures, systems and corporate governance pillars in place to ensure that all initiatives move in the right direction to benefit those they are supposed to.” Government Institution Respondent “There is [a] need to enhance the Bank's assistance to the country through debt relief so that the economy can reset. Information … [about] the role of the Bank should be widely available.” Private Sector Respondent Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? 26 What the World Bank Group could Do to Increase its Effectiveness in Zimbabwe Focus/Operations: Respondents highlighted the need for the WBG to focus on the Categories of responses to unique financial situation in Zimbabwe to make development possible. These the qualitative question about suggestions included assistance with debt repayment, sanctions negotiations, funding what the WBG could do to help outside the government, and providing more financial support for investment. increase its effectiveness “Engagement with the national government and Western countries to remove sanctions.” in Zimbabwe Local Government Respondent “Bring financial resources for third-party implementation of programmes in [the] absence of [the] ability to finance [the] Government…” Bilateral/Multilateral Agency Respondent Communication “Help with debt repayment.” Government Principal Respondent 15% Operations “Cancel the debt owed and start lending funds for developmental purposes.” Academia Respondent 31% “Loan Zimbabwe money for development purposes at a low interest rate.” Civil Society Respondent Collaboration 27% “… Unlock financial support for infrastructure and other long-term development projects in Zimbabwe. This will go a long way in stabilizing the macroeconomic environment and support [for] all other economic activities.” Areas for WBG focus Government Institution Respondent 27% “Zimbabwe's major challenge is in accessing private capital because the majority of its investment opportunities are not bankable (that is, properly packaged). Therefore, the starting point for [the] WBG is to come up with a mechanism that avails project preparation funding to the Zimbabwean market, through grants which can be managed through local [development finance institutions] DFIs.” Government Institution Respondent Collaboration and Communication: Responses mainly focused on the need for more effective collaboration with various stakeholder groups and effective communications with the media and the public. For the most part, these responses are covered in their respective sections of this report. In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could Q do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? (Please be specific) (N=59) 27 Communications and Outreach “More public awareness of World Bank operations in Zimbabwe and partnership[s] with key stakeholders, such as the private sector, councils, and small … [and] medium enterprises.” Media Respondent “Visibility ensures greater audience reach. Liaise with other stakeholders to help people understand the importance of the Bank’s support.” Private Sector Respondent Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? 28 General Information Sources % of Respondents Respondents reported using a variety of sources Newspapers (Print or online) 66% to obtain information about socioeconomic development issues in Zimbabwe, but most relied on newspapers, social media, research papers, Social media 59% and television. Research papers / Official 52% Although respondents from all stakeholder groups statistics indicated that they obtain most of their information from newspapers, social media, or research Television (TV) 48% papers, government principals indicated that they were significantly more likely to utilize TV than respondents from other stakeholder groups. Radio 25% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG e-Newsletters 17% could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? “Be more visible.” Blogs 14% Government Principal Respondent “Strengthen the Bank's visibility and communication strategy Other 2% through effective engagement with the media.” Media Respondent Podcasts <1% How do you get most of your information about economic and social development issues in Zimbabwe? Q (Choose no more than 3) (N=291) 29 Preferred WBG Information Sources Most respondents reported that they preferred to % of Respondents obtain information about the WBG and its work through the WBG website, social media, and Website 67% e-Newsletters. In addition to these top three sources, respondents Social media 53% from government institutions were significantly more likely to prefer events/conferences/seminars (53%). Respondents from the media were e-Newsletters 51% significantly more likely to prefer interviews (54%) as compared to respondents from other stakeholder Event/conference/seminar/workshop 34% groups. (in person or online) Blogs 30% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Interviews and press conferences 20% could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? “Increase awareness [among] both [the] public and private sector in Zimbabwe. Attend expos so that many can get to Direct contact with staff 19% know more information about [the] WBG.” Local Government Respondent Direct messaging 6% “They should move in different sectors educating people on their aims and goals.” Local Government Respondent Podcasts 2% Q How would you prefer to obtain information about the World Bank Group and its work? (Choose no more than 3) (N=291) 30 Recent Interactions with the WBG 45% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG in the last 30 days. Respondents reported seeing that information most often on social media and on the WBG website. Among those who selected “Social media”, respondents most commonly reported seeing something on Twitter, closely followed by LinkedIn. % of Respondents Social media 66% WBG Website 57% 67% Newspapers (Print or online) 29% Reported significantly more often by private sector (53%) 57% e-Newsletters 28% Television (TV) 21% Reported significantly more often 35% by private sector (47%) Direct contact with WBG staff 20% 15% 15% Event / conference / seminar 18% Twitter LinkedIn Facebook YouTube WhatsApp Blogs 17% Reported significantly more often by academia (41%) and civil society (31%) Radio 4% Direct messaging 3% Podcasts 2% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG in the last 30 days? (N=289) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Check all that apply) (N=130) 31 What social media platforms do you recall seeing this information on? (Check all that apply) (N=86) Topic Recall in the Last 30 Days % of Respondents In terms of the topics recalled, the WBG’s work on debt relief, human capital, food insecurity, climate change, and global economic forecasts WBG work to provide debt relief for 54% developing countries were all recalled by about half of the respondents who had seen or heard something about or in relation to the WBG in the last 30 days. WBG work to strengthen human capital through improving health care, nutrition, 54% In terms of stakeholder groups, respondents from education, jobs, and skills government principals and the media were significantly more likely to recall messages related to human capital (80% and 83%, respectively); WBG work or research on food insecurity 52% respondents from academia and the media were significantly more likely to recall messages related to climate change (82% and 83%, respectively); and respondents from civil society, academia and the media were significantly more likely to recall WBG work or research on climate change 50% messages related to food insecurity (73%, 94% and 83%, respectively) as compared to other stakeholder groups. In contrast, respondents from local governments, WBG global economic forecasts 47% government institutions, and government principals were significantly less likely to recall messages related to global economic forecasts (13%, 28%, and 30%, respectively) as compared to other WBG work or research on energy 33% stakeholder groups. Q What topics were included in what you saw or heard? (Check all that apply) (N=129) 32 Message Recall and Perceptions of WBG Work Mean Level of Agreement Respondents who recalled seeing or hearing something The World Bank Group… 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 about the WBG in the last 30 days gave higher ratings to key messages regarding the WBG’s work – and significantly so for messages related to its work on Helps countries boost climate resilience and 7.5 climate, human capital, food security, and energy. mitigate the effects of climate challenge* 6.6 Respondents who recalled seeing or hearing something about the WBG also reported significantly higher levels of familiarity (mean=6.4) and trust in the WBG Supports countries to strengthen their human 7.2 (mean=7.8) compared to those who reported not capital through improving health care, nutrition, education, jobs, and skills* 6.5 hearing or seeing anything about the WBG recently (mean=5.3 and 6.5, respectively). In addition, respondents who recalled seeing or hearing Helps address the current food crisis and 7.2 something about the WBG gave significantly higher enables greater preparedness to future food ratings for the WBG’s effectiveness (mean=6.7), security crises* 6.3 relevance (mean=7.2), alignment (mean=6.8), and influence (mean=6.6) compared to those who reported Heard about not hearing or seeing anything about the WBG recently 7.0 the WBG in the (means=5.7, 6.0, 5.7, and 5.8, respectively). Supports countries to ensure transition to more last 30 days diversified and cleaner sources of energy* 5.9 These findings suggest that respondents who are Have NOT heard about the more frequently exposed to information about the WBG in the last WBG, or who actively engage with WBG staff and 30 days Is committed to comprehensive debt solutions 6.0 knowledge work (read research papers, etc.) are that bring significant benefits to people in poor also more likely to hold more positive views about countries *Significantly 5.7 different the WBG’s work. Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG in the last 30 days? Q To what extent do you agree with the following statements: Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all – 10: To a very significant degree) 33 Frequency of Engagement ➔ Message Recall Respondents who recalled hearing something about the WBG in the last 30 days had significantly more frequent interactions with the institution across all channels. Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG in the last 30 days? Yes (N=~129) No (N=~154) Every few days/weeks Every few months Every few days/weeks Every few months Read a WBG post / tweet on social media 62% 31% Read a WBG post / tweet on social media 25% 33% Read some, or all, of a WBG research Visited a WBG website 54% 39% 19% 62% paper or publication Read or heard a story about the WBG in Visited a WBG website (e.g., read a blog, international media 55% 31% used its data) 18% 36% Read some, or all, of a WBG research Read or heard a story about the WBG in paper or publication 36% 46% international media 16% 48% Read or heard a story about the WBG in Read or heard a story about the WBG in national or local media 30% 49% national or local media 11% 44% Read a WBG e-newsletter 31% 39% Read a WBG e-newsletter 8% 51% Had an exchange with WBG staff, in Had an exchange with WBG staff, in person, virtually, or by phone/email/text 20% 36% person, virtually, or by phone/email/text 8% 16% Attended a WBG event/conference/ Attended a WBG event/conference/ seminar/workshop (in person or online) 11% 45% seminar/workshop (in person or online) 23% Q Over the past SIX MONTHS, on average how often did you do any of the following related to the World Bank Group (WBG)? (N=~288) 34 Sample Demographics 35 Respondent Profile: Affiliation, Specialization and Status Current Affiliation Specialization % of Respondents Generalist 27% Government Institution 21% Other 16% Finance and markets 7% Civil Society 17% Macroeconomics, fiscal management 6% Education 6% Private Sector 13% Environment / 6% Natural resource management Academia/Research Institute/ Social protection, labor policies, jobs 5% 11% Think Tank Health 5% Self-identified Public sector governance, Office of the President, 10% status anti-corruption 5% Prime Minister, Minister Agriculture and food security 4% Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 10% Junior Water, sanitation 3% level, 6% Transport 3% Local Government 7% Mid-level Urban development 2% staff, 24% Senior level, 43% Gender 1% Office of a Parliamentarian 6% Mid-level Energy / Extractives 1% decision-maker/ manager, 27% Trade 1% Media 4% Disaster risk management 1% Climate change 1% Q Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? (Select only 1 response) (N=301) Please identify the primary specialization of your work. (Select only 1 response) (N=292) 36 Within your organization, would you describe yourself as …. (N=292) Respondent Profile: Collaboration with the WBG Collaboration with the WBG Collaboration Institution The World Bank (IBRD/IDA) 79% 31% Yes The International Finance No Corporation (IFC) 20% 69% The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) 1% Respondents from private sector (50%), academia (56%) and civil society (61%) were significantly less likely to indicate that they Respondents from private sector were significantly collaborate with the WBG more likely to indicate that they collaborate with the IFC (68%) and significantly less likely to collaborate with the World Bank (26%). Currently, do you professionally collaborate/work with the World Bank Group (IBRD, IFC, MIGA, ICSID) in your country? (N=296) Q Which of the following agencies of the World Bank Group do you primarily collaborate/work with in Zimbabwe? (Select only 1 response) (N=204) 37 Respondent Profile: Demographics Gender Age 26-35 11% 38% Female 36-45 28% 62% Male 46-55 40% 56 and above 21% Location Harare 94% Outside Harare 6% What’s your gender? (N=292) Q What’s your age (N=292) 38 Which best represents your geographic location? (N=290) Methodology 39 Methodology From April 2023 to May 2023, 420 stakeholders of the WBG in Zimbabwe were invited to provide their opinions on the WBG’s work in the country by participating in a Country Opinion Survey. Participants were drawn from the Office of the President, Prime Minister, Minister, Parliamentarian, government institutions; local governments; bilateral / multilateral agencies; private sector; civil society organizations; academia, research institutes, and think tanks, and the media. A total of 301 stakeholders participated in the survey (72% response rate). Respondents completed the questionnaire via post, face-to-face interviews, or an online platform. Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions; several of them are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard (please refer to the Indicator questions section of this report. 40 Year Comparison Percentage of Respondents FY 2020 FY 2023 The results of this year’s Country Survey were Government Principals: Office of the compared to those of the Country Survey conducted President, Prime Minister, Minister, 12% 16% in FY20 (response rate was 65%, N=196). Parliamentarian Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects Government Institutions: Employee of a the changes in attitudes over time, as well as changes in Ministry, Department, Project respondent samples and changes to the survey Implementation Unit, Independent 34% 21% instrument itself. To reduce the influence of the latter Government Institution, Judiciary, State- Owned Enterprise factor, only those questions with similar response scales/options are analyzed. Local Government 5% 7% The distribution of the stakeholder groups in the final Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, samples in the FY20 and FY23 Country Surveys are Development Organization, Development 5% 10% Bank, UN Agency listed in the table on the right. Civil Society Organization: NGOs, This year’s Survey saw an increased outreach to and/or Community-Based Organization, Private response from bilateral/multilateral agencies and high- Foundation, Professional /Trade 15% 17% level government offices. However, there was a Association, Faith-Based Group, Youth decrease in outreach to and/or response from the Group government institutions. These differences in the stakeholder composition between the two years should Private Sector: Private Company, 11% 13% Financial Sector Organization, Private Bank be taken into consideration when interpreting the results of the past-year comparison analyses. Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank 11% 11% Media 6% 4% Other 2% <1% Total Number of Respondents 191 301 41 Statistical Analysis To attribute respondents to different stakeholder groups, their self-reported responses to the question “Which of Stakeholder groups n % the following best describes your current affiliation?” were used. Government Principals 49 16% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Zimbabwe COS FY23 Tables Government Institutions 63 21% with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and Local Government 22 7% this report. Scale bucketing: When mentioning Low, Medium, and High for the Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 29 10% scales throughout the report: 1-6 is low, 7-8 is medium, and 9-10 is high. Civil Society 51 17% Statistical significance: Key statistically significant findings are denoted with an Private Sector 39 13% asterisk (*) throughout the report or discussed in the descriptions of the charts. Significance is measured at p-value < .05 Academia 34 11% Media 13 4% Total 300 100% 42 Qualitative Analysis In the qualitative part of the questionnaire, respondents were invited to share their thoughts about the ways in which the WBG could help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe in the future: Summary of the main themes in qualitative comments “In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Zimbabwe? (Please be specific)” Operations 31% A total of 59 responses were received; they varied in length from a few words to a few sentences. The Areas for WBG focus 27% comments were broadly grouped in four categories based on their main theme (please see the chart to the right) and summarized in the section “The Future Role of Colalboration 27% the World Bank Group in Zimbabwe”. Individual quotes were used throughout the report in relevant sections to illustrate the quantitative data. Communication 15% 43 Indicator questions A2_5. To what extent do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right? Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all – 10: To a very significant degree) A3. How effective has the World Bank Group been in achieving development results in Zimbabwe? Scale: 1-10 (1: Not effective at all – 10: Very effective) To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the WBG’s work in Zimbabwe? Scale: 1-10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) A4. The World Bank Group currently plays a relevant role in development in Zimbabwe A5. The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Zimbabwe A7. To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development agenda in Zimbabwe? Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all– 10: To a very significant degree) A8. How significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities make to development results in your country? Scale: 1-10 (1: Not significant at all – 10: Very significant) To what extent is the World Bank Group an effective development partner in Zimbabwe, in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all – 10: To a very significant degree) C2. Responsiveness to needs C3. Access to WBG staff and experts C4. Flexibility when circumstances change C5. Being a long-term partner To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Zimbabwe, in terms of collaborating with the following groups: Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all – 10: To a very significant degree) C7_1.Collaboration with the national government C7_5.Collaboration with the private sector C7_6.Collaboration with civil society C7_7.Collaboration with other donor and development partners To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1-10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) C9_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s advisory services and analytical work in Zimbabwe. C9_4. The WBG’s advice and recommendations are tailored to Zimbabwe’s context. Note: Corporate Scorecard questions are highlighted RED 44 Thank you.