The Zimbabwe government has approved a new five-year National Action Plan for Children (2026–2030), signaling renewed commitment to child protection, welfare, and access to essential services.
The decision was announced following the Third Cabinet Meeting of 2026, on 24 February.
According to the post-Cabinet briefing, the plan seeks to improve the well-being of children nationwide through evidence-based programming and stronger coordination across government ministries, communities, and development partners. The government say the initiative will prioritise vulnerable groups, including orphans and girls at risk of child marriage, while addressing emerging threats such as online violence, poverty, and child labour.
The National Action Plan for Children IV is structured around five key pillars; 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. Officials say these pillars are designed to increase access to education, health, and social protection services, while strengthening systems that prevent abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
Cross-cutting issues, including gender equality, disability inclusion, and climate change have also been integrated across all programme areas. The plan aligns with national legislation and international commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals and frameworks associated with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Government said this alignment ensures policy coherence and strengthens accountability in implementation.
Cabinet noted that the programme will be supported by a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Framework to track progress and ensure stakeholder engagement. An advocacy strategy, incorporating media campaigns, community outreach, and public events will be used to raise awareness and mobilise participation.
Authorities emphasised that community-level child protection systems will play a central role in implementation, with local policies and legislation linked directly to the national framework. The approval of the new plan reflects government efforts to promote what officials described as a “dignified childhood”for all children, with stronger enforcement of child protection laws and expanded support systems for families.
More details on implementation timelines and funding mechanisms are expected to be released as ministries begin operational planning.
