President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s progress in the fight against poverty and its strides in expanding access to education, healthcare, and social protection. Addressing delegates at the World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) currently underway in Doha, Qatar, the President outlined the nation’s achievements and called for renewed global solidarity towards inclusive development.
The Head of State revealed that poverty levels in Zimbabwe have declined significantly, dropping from 62 percent to 38.3 percent, according to the most recent national survey. He attributed this improvement to a combination of targeted government interventions and inclusive economic policies that prioritise the welfare of citizens.
“In Zimbabwe, we have made measurable progress in reducing poverty and uplifting communities through a people-centred development model,” President Mnangagwa said. “Our social protection programmes and inclusive education initiatives continue to empower millions, especially the vulnerable and marginalised.”
Among these interventions, he highlighted the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), a key government initiative that supports access to education for disadvantaged children.
“Through BEAM, more than 1.5 million learners, including children with disabilities, are benefiting each year. This programme ensures that no child is left behind in the pursuit of education,” the President added.
Turning to the issue of employment, President Mnangagwa emphasised that job creation and decent work are central to Zimbabwe’s development agenda. He pointed to the National Employment Policy Framework and the Decent Work Country Programme, which promote enterprise growth, skills development, and infrastructure investment as key levers for sustainable job creation.
He noted that while Zimbabwe and many developing nations are making tangible progress, global inequality and multidimensional poverty remain pressing challenges. Over one billion people worldwide still live in poverty, he said, underscoring the urgent need for a renewed global pact that moves beyond rhetoric to concrete action and resource mobilisation.
“As the world gathers here in Doha, our collective focus must remain on the eradication of poverty and the promotion of social justice,” President Mnangagwa urged. “We must match our commitments with resources and partnerships that deliver real change for the people.”
The World Summit for Social Development, organised by the United Nations, brings together world leaders, civil society, and development partners to review progress on social goals and explore strategies for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable growth. Zimbabwe’s participation reflects its continued commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive society in line with Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
