The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) will increase monthly pension payouts across its mandatory schemes by nearly 30 per cent with effect from 1 October 2026.
NSSA general manager Charles Shava confirmed the upward adjustment, saying it is intended to provide more meaningful protection for beneficiaries.
Under the primary Pension and Other Benefits Scheme (POBS), which supports about 250,000 pensioners and surviving dependants, the minimum monthly payout will rise to US$90 from US$70.
“Under the Accident Prevention and Workers’ Compensation Scheme (APWCS), which covers about 8,000 beneficiaries recovering from workplace injuries or occupational disabilities, monthly disbursements will increase to US$130 from US$100,” Shava said.
“We are increasing these payouts to ensure our beneficiaries receive meaningful social protection. Our target is to continuously expand income support and strengthen social safety nets.”
He said the revision follows a 2025 statutory actuarial valuation which confirmed the financial health and long-term sustainability of both schemes.
According to the evaluation, POBS and APWCS will remain fully operational and financially secure.
Operational efficiency gains have reduced the POBS expense ratio to 13.95 per cent, leaving the scheme sufficiently capitalised to support higher benefits, including a higher minimum retirement pension, while maintaining strong short-to-medium-term liquidity.
APWCS was found to be surplus-funded, giving the Authority capacity to absorb improved packages across multiple economic scenarios without compromising its balance sheet.
Shava attributed the strong position to growth in NSSA’s overall asset base, robust contribution collections, inflation-beating investment returns and streamlined administrative costs.
Shava said to sustain payouts and preserve capital against inflation, NSSA has expanded its role as one of Zimbabwe’s primary institutional investors. Total investment income has surged from US$3 million in 2022 to about US$40 million currently.
The Authority holds strategic stakes in blue-chip counters listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange. It has increased its holdings in Delta Corporation, CBZ Holdings and Innscor Africa Limited over the past year.
The Sunday Mail