Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
CABINET has approved the National Action Plan for Children IV (2026–2030), reaffirming the Government’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and promoting a dignified childhood for every child in Zimbabwe.
Presenting the post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday afternoon, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zhemu Soda, said the new plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to improve children’s well-being through evidence-based programming and strengthened multi-sectoral collaboration.
He said the plan seeks to enhance access to quality services, reinforce child protection systems, build family and community resilience, eliminate child labour, and ensure effective enforcement of child-focused policies and legislation.
“Importantly, the plan responds to emerging and persistent challenges affecting children, including poverty, child labour, online violence, and the continued risk of child marriage among vulnerable groups such as girls and orphans,” said Minister Soda.
The Minister said the framework aligns with national laws and policies, as well as key regional and international commitments, including the Sustainable
Development Goals, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and Zimbabwe’s domestic legal statutes. He added that it will also be integrated with local child protection policies and legislative instruments to ensure coordinated implementation at community level.
“The National Action Plan is anchored on five strategic pillars, namely improved access to inclusive basic social services, ending violence against children, family and community capacity strengthening, elimination of child labour and institutional strengthening and capacity building. Through these pillars, the plan sets measurable outcomes aimed at increasing children’s access to essential services, reducing exposure to abuse and exploitation, empowering families and communities, eradicating child labour, and strengthening institutional enforcement mechanisms,” said Minister Soda.
He said cross-cutting themes, including gender equality, disability inclusion, and climate change resilience, are mainstreamed across all pillars to ensure no child is left behind.
Minister Soda said implementation will be guided by a robust monitoring, evaluation and learning framework designed to enhance accountability, track progress, and promote stakeholder participation.
“An advocacy and communication strategy leveraging media platforms, community outreach initiatives, and public events will further support awareness and public engagement,” said Minister Soda.
The approval of the National Action Plan for Children IV signals Government’s continued resolve to prioritise children’s welfare and create a safer, more inclusive environment in which they can thrive.
