NSSA To Raise Monthly Pension Payouts By Nearly 30% From October

By Staff Reporter
Zimbabwean pensioners and beneficiaries under NSSA’s mandatory social protection schemes are set for higher monthly payments from 1 October 2026, with the biggest increase taking the baseline pension from US$70 to US$90.

NSSA Pension Payments Set For October Increase
NSSA general manager Dr Charles Shava confirmed the adjustment, saying the changes are intended to strengthen financial support for beneficiaries.

Under the Pension and Other Benefits Scheme (POBS), which supports about 250,000 pensioners and surviving dependants, the minimum monthly payout will increase to US$90, equivalent to about R1,485 at the current US$1:R16.50 exchange rate.

Payments under the Accident Prevention and Workers Compensation Scheme (APWCS) will also rise from US$100 to US$130, approximately R2,145.

Shava said:

“We are increasing these payouts to ensure our beneficiaries receive meaningful social protection.”

He added that NSSA wanted to expand income support while strengthening its social safety nets.

Why NSSA Says It Can Afford Higher Payouts
The increase follows a 2025 statutory actuarial valuation which found both schemes financially sustainable.

NSSA said improved collections, investment returns and lower administrative costs have strengthened its position.

Its investment income has reportedly risen from US$3 million in 2022 to about US$40 million, while its balance sheet has grown to approximately US$1.3 billion.

The authority also holds investments in major Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed companies, including Delta Corporation, CBZ Holdings and Innscor Africa Limited.

NSSA Eyes Millions Of Informal Workers
NSSA is also working on reforms aimed at extending social security coverage to more than three million informal-sector workers.

The proposed framework would allow flexible contributions suited to irregular incomes, potentially bringing vendors, traders and self-employed workers into the social security system.

The October adjustment represents a significant change to monthly NSSA payouts. The authority says its financial position allows it to increase benefits while maintaining the long-term sustainability of its schemes.