By Dickson Bandera
The Swedish government continues to show strong support for Zimbabwe, backing various initiatives aimed at improving the country’s environment, poverty alleviation, and energy sectors.
This Thursday, Sweden’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe HE Per Lindgarde, joined other contributing partners, the government of Zimbabwe, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, the European Union (ECHO), UNICEF, and the World Bank, at the joint launch of the Social Protection System Strengthening Programme in Zimbabwe.
The focus of the initiative is on inclusivity, ensuring that vulnerable groups—including women, children, people with disabilities, and remote communities—are prioritized in the distribution of aid.
The programme seeks to create a comprehensive framework where social protection serves not only as a safety net in times of crisis but as a tool for economic empowerment and long-term development.
In his address, Ambassador Lindgarde highlighted Sweden’s unwavering commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s social protection initiatives, emphasizing that the system represents a key foundation for economic opportunity, stability, and sustainable development.
“For Sweden, social protection is both a human right and a powerful tool to strengthen resilience, promote inclusive growth, and reduce poverty. It’s not merely a safety net—it forms the foundation for economic opportunity, stability, and sustainable development,” he said.
He further noted that well designed social protection programs have had transformative global impacts and offer short-term relief, and ncouraging long-term benefits.
“Globally, social protection programs have proven to be transformative. They’ve been powerful instruments in improving lives and empowering individuals and communities.”
“A well-designed social protection system goes beyond providing short-term relief. It enables families to recover, rebuild, and thrive,” he explained.
He also stressed the role of cash transfers, stating that timely support not only helps individuals in the short term but also stimulates local economies and empowers people to make lasting improvements in their lives.
“Evidence shows that timely cash transfers not only offer immediate support but also stimulate local economies, create new opportunities, and empower people to make decisions that improve their lives in the long run.”
The Swedish diplomat also acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change, especially the severe impacts of recurrent droughts.
“The impact of recurrent and severe shocks, such as last year’s protracted drought, has been devastating for vulnerable households, communities, and the national economy. Zimbabwe is among the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, meaning climate-related shocks will only become more frequent and intense,” he said.
He also commended the Zimbabwean government for its commitment to reform and strengthen its social protection efforts, highlighting that “we cannot emphasize enough that collaboration, a whole-of-government approach, and sustained investments are key to the success of this initiative.”
He pointed out the importance of a well-functioning targeting system to ensure equitable distribution of resources. “At the core of every successful social protection program is a well-functioning targeting system that ensures transfers reach those who need them most, equitably and efficiently.”
HE Lindagarde expressed his encouragement regarding the government’s collaboration with international bodies such as the World Bank and UNICEF to establish a social registry. “We are encouraged by the government’s commitment to work with the World Bank and UNICEF to establish a social registry.
“Transparency, non-discrimination, participation, and grievance redress must be fundamental pillars of this effort. The success of any social protection program is measured by how well it reaches and supports those who need it most—particularly women, children, people with disabilities, and those in remote areas,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Swedish Ambassador expressed his country’s continued support for Zimbabwe’s social protection initiatives.
“We look forward to working alongside the government to build a social protection system that serves everyone—especially the most vulnerable,” he concluded.
