…no need to re-invent the wheel
BENCHMARKING is a transformative strategy, a guiding light for nations, organisations and individuals aiming to improve and innovate.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, during his address to the delegation visiting his farm, captured its essence when he emphasised the critical importance of learning from the best. His message was not just a reflection of agricultural pursuits but a universal principle that cuts across all sectors of development.
As Zimbabwe charts its path toward Vision 2030, benchmarking emerges as a vital tool for sustainable progress, ensuring that the nation does not merely participate in global competition but excels and thrives within it.
To understand benchmarking’s significance, one must first grasp what it entails. At its core, benchmarking is a structured process of identifying, learning from and applying the best practices of others to achieve superior performance. It’s not just about peering over the fence to see what others are doing but about gaining insights, adopting and adapting strategies that have proven successful elsewhere. It is a deliberate, informed effort to evaluate processes, systems and outcomes against recognised standards of excellence. While this concept may seem simple, its implications for national development are profound.
The world is brimming with examples of individuals, organisations and nations that have used benchmarking to leapfrog stages of development, avoiding costly trial-and-error methods. From Singapore’s meteoric rise to becoming a global economic hub to Rwanda’s transformation into a beacon of innovation and efficiency in Africa, the common denominator is a conscious decision to benchmark against the best. These examples are proof that there is no need to re-invent the wheel when others have already demonstrated what works. What is needed is the ability to learn, adapt and innovate upon those foundations.
In the context of Zimbabwe and its aspirations under Vision 2030, benchmarking is not merely an option, it is a necessity. Vision 2030 seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy, characterised by inclusive growth, industrialisation, and improved livelihoods for all. Achieving this ambitious goal requires a clear understanding of the standards and practices that define success on a global scale. Benchmarking provides the framework to identify these standards, evaluate current performance against them, and implement targeted interventions to close gaps and unlock potential.
One of the most compelling reasons to adopt benchmarking is its practicality. Unlike theoretical strategies that may be difficult to translate into action, benchmarking is rooted in tangible, observable outcomes. It starts with data collection, progresses through analysis, and culminates in actionable improvements. Whether it involves studying how advanced economies have diversified their industrial base, how tech-savvy nations have leveraged digital transformation, or how agricultural leaders have achieved food security, benchmarking provides the roadmap. For a country like Zimbabwe, which has immense potential in sectors like agriculture, mining and tourism, the benefits of such an approach are immeasurable.
Consider the agricultural sector as an example. Agriculture remains the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing to food security and export earnings. Benchmarking offers an opportunity to address challenges by studying the best-performing agricultural economies and adopting their innovations.
Another compelling aspect of benchmarking is its ability to foster innovation. While the initial focus may be on replicating proven strategies, the process inevitably spurs creativity and adaptation. Zimbabweans are known for their resilience and ingenuity, traits that can be harnessed through benchmarking. By identifying what works elsewhere and tailoring it to local contexts, Zimbabwe can create homegrown solutions that are both effective and sustainable. This process of adaptation ensures that benchmarking does not become a passive exercise in imitation but an active pursuit of excellence.
As Zimbabwe marches towards Vision 2030, benchmarking becomes particularly relevant in the context of global competitiveness. In an increasingly interconnected world, nations are judged by their ability to attract investment, foster innovation and deliver quality goods and services. Benchmarking provides the tools to enhance competitiveness by identifying gaps in performance and implementing measures to address them.
For instance, in the tourism sector, benchmarking against countries like South Africa, Kenya or even smaller nations like Botswana can reveal strategies to enhance infrastructure, market Zimbabwe’s unique attractions, and improve the overall visitor experience. Such efforts can position Zimbabwe as a premier destination, boosting foreign exchange earnings and creating jobs.
Importantly, benchmarking is not limited to emulating success at the national level. It equally works at the community and organisational levels. Private companies and even individual farmers can engage in benchmarking to improve their operations and outcomes like at President Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm where he said operations continue to improve by seeking out how the best do what they do to improve yields.
For example, a local municipality might study how similar-sized towns elsewhere have managed waste efficiently or enhanced public services. Similarly, a mining company could benchmark against global leaders in sustainable mining practices, adopting strategies to minimise environmental impact while maximising profitability. The cumulative effect of such localised efforts contributes significantly to national progress.
One of the most powerful elements of benchmarking is its emphasis on continuous improvement. The world does not stand still, and neither should Zimbabwe. As new technologies emerge and global standards evolve, benchmarking ensures that Zimbabwe remains agile and forward-looking. It instills a culture of learning and adaptation, where success is not a destination but a journey. This mindset aligns perfectly with the ethos of Vision 2030, which envisions sustained progress and prosperity for future generations.
By embracing benchmarking, Zimbabwe positions itself to make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes and accelerate its development trajectory. The key lies in fostering a culture that values knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation.
The role of leadership in driving benchmarking cannot be overstated. President Mnangagwa’s emphasis on this approach reflects visionary leadership that recognises the need to look outward for inspiration while staying grounded in local realities. Leaders at all levels must champion benchmarking, creating an environment where learning from others is celebrated and incentivised. This leadership extends to policymakers, business executives, community leaders and educators, all of whom play a role in shaping Zimbabwe’s future.
As we work towards Vision 2030, it is also crucial to recognise the role of partnerships in benchmarking. Collaboration with regional and international organisations, development partners and the private sector enhances the effectiveness of benchmarking initiatives. By engaging with entities that have successfully implemented best practices, Zimbabwe can leverage their expertise and resources to fast-track development. Such partnerships also promote the exchange of ideas and foster a spirit of solidarity in addressing shared challenges.
Benchmarking is not about conceding inferiority or blindly copying others. It is about leveraging the collective wisdom of humanity to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. It is about acknowledging that the path to progress is rarely walked alone and that there is strength in learning from others. As Zimbabwe stands on the cusp of a new era, benchmarking offers a powerful mechanism to unlock its potential, inspire its people and secure its place as a leader among nations.
Benchmarking is more than a development tool; it is a philosophy of continuous learning and improvement. It embodies the spirit of progress that underpins Vision 2030, providing a clear, practical roadmap for achieving national aspirations. President Mnangagwa’s call to benchmark with the best is a call to action for all Zimbabweans — to learn, to adapt and to excel.