derick.khumalo
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
SWEDEN has commended Zimbabwe for launching the National Action Plan for Children (NAP IV) 2026-2030 and the National Child Online Protection Policy, describing the twin initiatives as a major milestone in advancing the rights, protection and well-being of children.
Speaking during the official launch of the two frameworks at the National Child Protection Conference in Bulawayo on Friday, the Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe, Mr David Diaby, said the new policies provide a sustainable national platform through which gains made in the child protection sector can be consolidated and expanded.
“I wish to congratulate the Government of Zimbabwe on behalf of the Government of Sweden for this important milestone and on its continued commitment to advancing the rights and protection of children,” said Mr Diaby.
He said discussions held during the week-long conference, including a high-level dialogue on child protection financing, had reinforced the need to ensure that investments in child protection become embedded within strong national systems.
“Today, with the official launch of NAP IV, Zimbabwe has a national framework through which that ambition can be carried forward,” he said.
Mr Diaby said Sweden has been one of Zimbabwe’s long-standing development partners in the child protection sector, working alongside the Government and UNICEF for more than 15 years to strengthen child welfare systems.
The partnership has supported initiatives including national case management systems, birth registration programmes, access to child-friendly justice and capacity building for professionals responsible for child protection.
“Our investments were never intended to create parallel structures that depend indefinitely on development partner financing. They were intended to contribute to stronger Zimbabwean systems that could endure beyond individual project and funding cycles,” he said.
Mr Diaby said NAP IV presents an opportunity to consolidate years of investment, lessons learned and progress achieved under a nationally owned framework.
The launch comes as Sweden concludes its bilateral development cooperation programme with Zimbabwe, with the Embassy of Sweden in Harare expected to close later this year.
“As many of you know, Sweden is concluding its bilateral development cooperation with Zimbabwe and the Embassy of Sweden in Harare will close later this year. This marks the end of a long and valued chapter of our engagement, but far from an end to avenues for cooperation,” he said.
Despite the closure, Sweden will continue engaging with Zimbabwe through regional, global and bilateral channels, particularly in the areas of human rights, gender equality, health and sustainable development.
Mr Diaby said the transition underscored the importance of sustainability in development work.
“The true legacy of partnership is not the continuation of donor funding. It is the continuation of results,” he said.
He welcomed NAP IV’s focus on strengthening institutions and capacities while addressing gender equality, disability inclusion and other forms of exclusion that often leave vulnerable children behind.
Mr Diaby paid tribute to the Government of Zimbabwe, UNICEF, civil society organisations, communities and frontline child protection professionals for their contribution to improving the lives of children over the years.
“Child protection is not a cost, but an investment. It makes economic sense, supports responsible governance and is the right thing to do,” he said.
