Zimbabwe has reduced its poverty rate by almost half over the past two decades, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced during the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha on Tuesday.
Mnangagwa said the country’s poverty levels declined from 62 percent in 1995 to 38.3 percent in 2019, describing it as one of Africa’s significant achievements in poverty reduction.
He noted that primary school enrolment has increased to 88 percent, while adult literacy stands at 93.6 percent and life expectancy at 64.7 years. These figures reflect steady improvements in living conditions for millions of Zimbabweans.
The president attributed the progress to national policies aimed at expanding access to education, healthcare and social protection.
He pointed to initiatives such as the Basic Education Assistance Module, which supports more than 1.5 million learners each year, including children with disabilities, and the Health Assistance Fund, which ensures healthcare access for vulnerable citizens.
Mnangagwa added that despite challenges posed by climate change and economic sanctions, Zimbabwe continues to make headway through smart agricultural programmes and other government interventions designed to promote sustainable livelihoods.
He said the country’s development agenda is guided by constitutional principles of equality, social justice and the right to development.
These priorities are reflected in Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy, which aim to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle income economy.
The announcement comes as Zimbabwe seeks greater international cooperation, including reforms to global financial systems and its bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
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