By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe this week successfully hosted its inaugural Social Protection Week, a landmark gathering that brought together government ministries, development partners, civil society organisations, academia, and community leaders to assess the country’s social protection systems and propose forward-looking reforms.
Social protection refers to programmes and provisions designed to safeguard vulnerable individuals and households from economic, social, and environmental shocks.
The event, which ran from 19 to 21 November 2025 under the theme “Inclusive Social Protection — Every Voice, Every Need for the Future,” was convened by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (MOPSLSW), with support of development partners including the World Bank, Embassy of Switzerland, German Embassy, European Union, among others.
It marked the first national platform dedicated exclusively to evaluating how Zimbabwe supports children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other at-risk groups.
Expectations are high that deliberations and recommendations proposals will guide future reforms and reinforce Zimbabwe’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable social protection framework.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony in Harare on Wednesday, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Hon. Edgar Moyo, underscored government’s commitment to strengthening programmes that help communities withstand economic and climate pressures. He highlighted the importance of improving coordination across ministries, expanding services to the informal sector, and ensuring that social protection remains central to national development planning.
Minister Moyo encouraged delegates to use the week to generate practical, evidence-based proposals aligned with national priorities, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Development partners including UNICEF and the World Food Programme reinforced the call for inclusive and sustainable social protection systems emphasizing that social protection is not charity but a right.
They emphasised that effective collaboration between government and humanitarian agencies remains crucial as Zimbabwe continues to confront poverty, climate shocks, and rising cost-of-living pressures.
Day One saw an extensive review of existing systems. Mrs L. Chourombo from the Ministry presented the status of non-contributory social protection programmes, while the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) provided updates on pension and insurance schemes.
Traditional leader Chief Tshitaudze highlighted community-based safety mechanisms that remain a lifeline for vulnerable households, and the City of Harare’s Director of Housing and Community Services outlined the role of local authorities in promoting social development and urban resilience.
A multi-sector panel brought together officials from the health, women’s affairs, youth, education, and social welfare ministries, alongside the Food and Nutrition Council and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. The discussion focused on the life-cycle approach to social protection, examining how needs evolve from early childhood through adulthood and into old age, and stressing the importance of tailored interventions at each stage.
The programme also gave comsidersble time to child-sensitive social protection, with presentations from SOS Children’s Village, Save the Children, Bantwana, Childline, and the Ministry of Health. These organisations highlighted emerging concerns affecting children — including economic hardship, early marriage, mental health challenges, and risks associated with digital technologies — and proposed targeted responses to strengthen national programming.
Various high-ranking officials also delivered technical presentations. Dr Agnes Mahomva, the Chief Coordinator on the National Response to Drug and Substance Abuse, outlined government’s strategy to combat the escalating drug crisis. She emphasised the need for a unified national approach rooted in prevention, treatment, and community rehabilitation. Deputy Chief Secretary Dr. Damasani provided insights on government’s broader policy direction, stressing the need for efficiency, accountability, and inclusive development.
Additional sessions explored digital innovations for social protection delivery, the potential of mobile cash transfers, climate-responsive social protection, and the integration of early warning systems to ensure rapid support during disasters. Experts also discussed the importance of accurate data and social registries in strengthening targeting and reducing leakages.
The conference saw technical sessions and stakeholder consultations which culminated in a consolidated set of recommendations.
