Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has raised monthly pension payouts across its mandatory social protection schemes by 30 percent.
The upward adjustment is aimed at expanding income support and enhancing social safety nets for beneficiaries.
Under the primary Pension and Other Benefits Scheme (POBS), which currently supports about 262 000 pensioners and surviving dependants, monthly baseline payouts will rise to US$90 from US$70.
Monthly disbursements under the Accident Prevention and Workers Compensation Scheme (APWCS), which serves about 8 000 beneficiaries recovering from workplace injuries or occupational disabilities, will increase to US$130 from US$100.
The upward revision of beneficiary payouts followed a 2025 statutory actuarial valuation that confirmed the financial health and long-term sustainability of its social security schemes.
According to the evaluation, both POBS and APWCS will remain fully operational and financially secure.
Addressing a press conference this Tuesday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo announced the developments.
“I have the pleasure and honour of addressing you today as we reflect on two important developments in Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen social protection, enhance the welfare of workers and beneficiaries, as well as to build a resilient economy in which every citizen has the opportunity to live and work with dignity,” he said.
“In furtherance of this commitment, Government has approved an upward review of minimum pension benefits administered by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), alongside the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act No. 7 of 2026.
“These developments are firmly anchored in the aspirations of Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030.
“They also advance the national development priorities under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), particularly those relating to social protection, human capital development, decent work and inclusive economic growth.”
Minister Moyo said the Government mandated NSSA to administer social security schemes that provide protection to members and their dependants.
“In fulfilment of this mandate, the authority currently manages two schemes, namely the Pension and Other Benefits Scheme (POBS) and the Accident Prevention and Workers Compensation Scheme,” he said.
“Following a statutory actuarial valuation which confirmed the financial health of the fund, the Government approved an upward review of minimum NSSA pension benefits as follows: Under the Pension and Other Benefits Scheme, which currently supports approximately 262 000 beneficiaries, the minimum retirement pension has been increased by 28,57 percent, from US$70 to US$90 per month.
“Under the Accident Prevention and Workers Compensation Scheme, which serves approximately 8 000 beneficiaries recovering from workplace injuries or living with occupational disabilities, the minimum worker’s pension has been increased by 30 percent, from US$100 to US$130 per month.
“The revised benefits will be reflected in the November payroll, scheduled for 13 November 2026, and will be backdated to October 2026.These adjustments demonstrate Government’s recognition of the contributions made by workers throughout their productive lives and the importance of ensuring that retirement and social security benefits provide meaningful support and uphold human dignity.”
He said the Government remains mindful, however, that benefit adequacy must be underpinned by the long-term sustainability of the social security system.
