The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has begun validating a revised National Social Protection Policy Framework designed to modernise Zimbabwe’s social welfare system and align it with the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda.
In a statement issued yesterday after a multi-stakeholder Validation Workshop, the ministry said the review of the framework seeks to address new socio-economic realities and strengthen protection mechanisms for vulnerable citizens.
“The framework is being reviewed from the current 2016 policy to include emerging issues and align to the NDS 2 and ultimately Vision 2030.
The revised policy will be accompanied by a National Social Protection Strategy, which is also being validated during the same workshop,” the Ministry added.
According to the ministry, the new framework is centred on creating a comprehensive and inclusive social protection system capable of responding to economic shocks and social vulnerabilities affecting citizens across the country.
“At its core, the Framework and the Strategy embraces the Life Cycle Approach to Social Protection ensuring that citizens are supported at every stage of life (from womb to tomb),” the ministry said.
The ministry added that the proposed framework seeks to transform Zimbabwe’s social protection model from isolated welfare interventions into a coordinated national system focused on resilience and dignity.
“Building a comprehensive shock-responsive system that moves beyond fragmented interventions to guarantee dignity, resilience and opportunity for all,” it said.
The ministry said the revised framework is expected to strengthen support systems for vulnerable groups including children, women, persons with disabilities, the elderly and households affected by economic hardships and climate-induced disasters.
“The Framework and the Strategy embrace the Life Cycle Approach to Social Protection ensuring that citizens are supported at every stage of life,” the ministry reiterated.
The review comes as Zimbabwe continues to face growing socio-economic pressures, with authorities increasingly prioritising social protection under the National Development Strategy 2.
Government believes the revised framework will improve coordination among institutions delivering social welfare services while enhancing preparedness for future crises through a more responsive and sustainable protection system.
Once finalised, the policy and strategy are expected to guide the implementation of social assistance programmes and strengthen Zimbabwe’s drive towards achieving an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
