Mr. Stefano Berti, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Swiss Embassy
By Dickson Bandera
In a significant move towards enhancing the country’s social safety net, the Government of Zimbabwe officially launched the Social Protection System Strengthening Programme today. The initiative, designed to bolster the nation’s ability to provide for its most vulnerable citizens, was unveiled at a high-profile event at Harare’s Monomotapa Hotel.
The programme has garnered the support of international partners including Switzerland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, the European Union (ECHO), UNICEF, and the World Bank.
Mr. Stefano Berti, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Swiss Embassy, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the international partners, underscoring the collaborative effort to support Zimbabwe’s social protection reform agenda.
“Social protection is not just a safety net; it is a critical enabler of economic participation, stability, and inclusive development,” Berti stated. “It empowers individuals, stimulates economies, and creates opportunities. Our support is grounded in the belief that investing in social protection is an investment in the dignity and resilience of the Zimbabwean people.”
The Social Protection System Strengthening Programme is part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to improve the efficiency, transparency, and reach of its social safety nets. With technical expertise from UNICEF and the World Bank, the initiative aims to establish a robust, digitalized system that can swiftly address both immediate needs and long-term challenges.
The international community’s support will focus on both strategic funding and the sharing of best practices in social protection.
The Zimbabwean government has also demonstrated its commitment to the programme by allocating a substantial portion of its national budget to social protection.
For 2025, the country’s social protection initiatives will receive an unprecedented USD 237 million, representing a sharp increase in funding from 4% of the budget in 2024 to a striking 74% in the upcoming fiscal year.
“This increase in funding reflects our determination to reform and streamline social protection in a way that truly reaches those in need,” Berti commented. “It is critical that this funding is deployed effectively, and we stand ready to assist the government in ensuring these resources are used efficiently.”
Social protection systems are becoming increasingly vital in countries like Zimbabwe, where economic instability, climate-induced shocks, and health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and recent El Niño drought, have exposed the limitations of existing structures.
These shocks highlight the importance of creating a system that is not only responsive during emergencies but is also capable of building resilience over time.
Mr. Berti emphasized the need for data-driven, inclusive, and well-coordinated systems to ensure that support reaches the most marginalized.
“Imagine the difference it could have made if, in 2024, we had been able to coordinate all drought relief efforts through a centralized social protection system,” he remarked. “This is the kind of efficiency we aim to achieve through this programme.”
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.
The Minister of Public Service, Labour & Social Welfare, Hon. Edgar Moyo, expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from international partners and highlighted the significance of the programme in reshaping Zimbabwe’s approach to social protection.
The government has committed to significantly enhancing the national budget allocation for social protection initiatives in 2025, reflecting an earnest effort to strengthen the country’s welfare systems. This allocation will be used to improve the transparency and efficiency of the social protection mechanisms to ensure they are more responsive and equitable.
This partnership between the Zimbabwean government and international stakeholders reflects a growing recognition that social protection systems are central to long-term stability and development. With the backing of major donors and technical partners, the programme aims to build a social protection system that is transparent, accountable, and able to respond quickly to both immediate crises and the changing needs of the population.
As Mr. Berti concluded: “The ultimate measure of success will be the ability of this system to uplift the most marginalized and vulnerable segments of society. Together, we can create a system that not only protects but also empowers.”
The launch marks the beginning of what is expected to be a multi-year initiative that will reshape Zimbabwe’s approach to social protection, providing a model for other nations facing similar challenges.
The international community’s commitment, paired with the Zimbabwean government’s leadership and increased budget allocation, sets the stage for a more resilient and equitable future.
