President Mnangagwa Highlights Poverty Reduction and Social Development Gains at World Summit

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has underscored Zimbabwe’s progress in tackling poverty and expanding access to education, healthcare, and social protection, as he addressed world leaders at the ongoing World Summit for Social Development in Doha.

Speaking before a global audience, President Mnangagwa highlighted that poverty levels in Zimbabwe have significantly declined, dropping from 62% to 38.3% according to the country’s latest survey. He attributed this improvement to targeted government programs and social interventions aimed at uplifting vulnerable communities.

“Government initiatives such as the Basic Education Assistance Model have positively impacted over 1.5 million learners annually, including children living with disabilities,” the President said, noting that such programs are central to building a more inclusive society.

On employment, President Mnangagwa emphasized that job creation and decent work remain core pillars of Zimbabwe’s development agenda. He drew attention to the national employment policy framework and the Decent Work Country Program, which support enterprise development, skills training, and infrastructure investment, aiming to create sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities for citizens.

Despite these achievements, the President acknowledged the ongoing global challenges. He reminded delegates that more than one billion people worldwide continue to live in multidimensional poverty. “This summit must be a call to action for the international community to renew a global pact for inclusive development, ensuring that policy rhetoric is matched with tangible resources and measurable outcomes,” he said.

The World Summit for Social Development, hosted in Doha, is primarily focused on eradicating poverty and advancing equitable social policies. President Mnangagwa’s address comes as nations seek strategies to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those aimed at reducing inequality and expanding access to essential services.

Zimbabwe’s participation at the summit reflects its commitment to integrating national development strategies with broader global social development objectives, while sharing lessons from its recent gains in poverty reduction and social protection programs.