Strong governance, clear accountability, and responsible stewardship
Agricultural Partnerships for Transformation is committed to the highest standards of governance, accountability, and transparency. These principles underpin how we manage resources, engage partners, and deliver our work.
APT is in the process of transitioning to registration as a Public Voluntary Organisation (PVO) under Zimbabwean law. This transition reflects our growth as an organisation and our commitment to strengthening governance systems in line with national requirements and international best practice.
Governance Structure
APT is governed by an independent Board responsible for providing strategic oversight, fiduciary stewardship, and accountability.
Key responsibilities of the Board include:
- Setting strategic direction and organisational priorities
- Oversight of financial management and risk
- Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
- Supporting leadership while maintaining appropriate independence
Board members bring a mix of experience across agriculture, markets, governance, finance, and development practice.
Board of Directors
Agricultural Partnerships for Transformation is governed by an independent Board that provides strategic oversight, fiduciary stewardship, and accountability. The Board is responsible for ensuring that the organisation remains aligned with its purpose, complies with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, and manages resources responsibly.
The Board’s role includes:
- Setting strategic direction and organisational priorities
- Oversight of financial management, risk, and compliance
- Ensuring independence, integrity, and good governance
- Supporting organisational leadership while maintaining appropriate separation from day-to-day management
APT maintains a clear separation between governance (Board oversight) and management (operational leadership and programme implementation).
Current Board Members
Lorraine Ndlovu Thondhlana
Chairperson (transitional period) | Governance, finance, and organisational leadership
Kumbirayi Chiimba Katsande
Vice Chairperson | Agribusiness leadership and private sector engagement
Kennedy Mutimudye
Treasurer | Finance, audit, risk management, and internal controls
Dorothy Mavhiri
Secretary | Development leadership, governance, and institutional oversight
Easther Chigumira
Vice Secretary | Agriculture, climate resilience, and policy expertise
Alan Norton
Board Member | Smallholder irrigation, agricultural engineering, and farmer development
Graham Ross
Board Member | Commercial agriculture, farmer organisations, and market engagement
Special Advisor (Non-Voting)
Richard Dawes
Finance and organisational governance
Board members serve fixed terms in accordance with the APT Constitution. Board composition and governance arrangements continue to be strengthened as part of APT’s transition to registration as a Public Voluntary Organisation (PVO).
Management and Operations
Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional management team responsible for programme delivery, partnerships, financial management, and reporting.
Clear separation is maintained between:
- Governance (Board oversight), and
- Management (operational decision-making and implementation)
This separation ensures accountability while allowing the organisation to operate efficiently.
Financial Management and Oversight
APT applies robust financial management systems appropriate to a multi-donor, programme-based organisation.
Key features include:
- Project-specific budgeting and financial tracking
- Internal controls and approval thresholds
- Regular financial reporting to donors and partners
- External audits where required by funders
Financial systems are reviewed and strengthened as part of APT’s organisational development and PVO transition process.
Accountability to Partners and Communities
APT is accountable not only to donors and regulators, but also to the communities and partners it works with.
This includes:
- Clear agreements with partners and implementing entities
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems embedded in programmes
- Ongoing engagement with district, provincial, and national stakeholders
- Feedback mechanisms that inform programme adaptation
Accountability is treated as a practical, operational principle rather than a compliance exercise.
PVO Registration Status
APT has submitted the required documentation to the responsible Ministry as part of its application for registration as a Public Voluntary Organisation under the amended PVO framework.
During this transition period:
- APT continues to operate in line with its Constitution and existing legal status
- Governance and compliance systems are being aligned with PVO requirements
- External professional support has been engaged to guide the process
Updates on registration status will be provided as the process progresses. APT continues to meet donor compliance requirements during this transition.
Transparency and Integrity
APT is committed to operating with integrity and openness. This includes:
- Clear communication with partners and supporters
- Honest reporting on progress, challenges, and learning
- Responsible use of funds in line with agreed purposes
Transparency is seen as essential to trust, long-term partnerships, and meaningful impact
Working With Confidence
Partners, donors, and supporters can engage with APT confident that:
- Governance arrangements are in place and actively applied
- Financial and operational systems are appropriate to scale and risk
- The organisation is committed to continuous improvement
PVO Registration
APT is transitioning to registration as a Public Voluntary Organisation in Zimbabwe. This process strengthens governance, accountability, and compliance in line with national legislation.
