By Staff Reporter
Harare- The New Narratives for Accountability in Zimbabwe (NNAZ) project is shutting down following a termination award notice from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The decision comes in the wake of Executive Order 14169 issued by former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, titled “Mandating the Re-evaluation and Realignment of U.S. Foreign Aid.”
Speaking in Harare, NNAZ Chief of Party McDonald Lewanika confirmed the development.
“The NNAZ project is officially concluding,” he said.
“But the work to promote integrity, inclusion, and active citizenship in Zimbabwe is far from finished.”
Lewanika noted that corruption remains widespread, accountability remains elusive, and building a culture of integrity is a continuous struggle.
Despite the shutdown, he highlighted the impact of their work over the past four years.
“We have helped build an accountability ecosystem that lives on through the creativity of artists and filmmakers, the courage of public servants, the drive of youth leaders, and the participation of everyday citizens,” he said.
He said the movement, grounded in humility, innovation, integrity, and collaboration, will continue beyond the project’s life.
Since its inception, NNAZ has directly engaged over 733,000 citizens nationwide. Initiatives included the Civic Action Teams, the Voice2Rep competition, the Integrity Icon campaign, and a filmmakers’ fellowship.
The project also trained and supported 43 accountability entrepreneurs, produced four music albums featuring 42 original songs, celebrated 19 integrity icons, and published six influential papers.
Lewanika thanked funders who made the project possible.
“In response to the project’s sudden termination, and to help us honour our commitment to development done differently, the Embassy of Switzerland through the Swedish Development Cooperation (SDC) stepped in to support a dignified, orderly, and ethical closeout,” he said.
“As we draw the curtains on NNAZ, we are committed to continuing this work. This is not a farewell, but a ‘see you later.’ A chapter is closing, but new narratives on accountability in Zimbabwe are just beginning.”
NNAZ is officially shutting down amid changes in U.S. foreign aid policy. Despite this, the project’s four-year legacy endures. Its initiatives have engaged hundreds of thousands of citizens and bolstered accountability across Zimbabwe. The momentum created by NNAZ will carry forward as new narratives on accountability emerge.
