Best Minister Award presented at WGS

Anxious Masuka, Zimbabwe's Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs, has been honoured with the Best Minister Award at the World Governments Summit in Dubai.

The award was presented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The prestigious accolade recognises public officials who have led sustainable, high-impact initiatives driving social and economic progress.

Masuka was honoured for his transformative leadership in Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector. His achievements include achieving wheat self-sufficiency in 2022 with a record harvest, reducing import reliance for the first time in over two decades.

With a vision to boost maize production, expand irrigation, and implement climate-resilient farming, Masuka accelerated dam construction, launched large-scale irrigation rehabilitation, and established an e-agriculture college for accessible digital learning.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that exceptional ministers are drivers of positive change, ensuring that every decision enhances the government's performance.

He added that ministers who prioritise their responsibility in serving people and fostering innovation are crucial to shaping the future.

Mohammed bin Rashid presents Anxious Masuka, Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs of the Republic of Zimbabwe, with the Best Minister Award at the World Governments Summit 2025. pic.twitter.com/bj8lpm83qv

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 13, 2025

A rigorous assessment process to select the winner analyses achievements on the macro and micro levels, selecting countries that fall in the top four global macro and socio-economic aggregated indices, namely: Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, the World Governance Indicators, Human Development Index, and the Happiness Index.

Shortlisted ministers are then closely assessed by a judging panel comprising high-level government officials and C-Suite individuals from renowned corporations.

Judgement is then made based on the following criteria: 40% for innovation, 25% for impact and inclusivity, 20% for continuity and feasibility, and 15% for the presentation.