By Dennis Lobuntu Ndlovu | Zim GBC News
The Fight Inequality Alliance Zimbabwe (FIAZ) has called on the government to make social protection, healthcare, education, and agriculture top priorities in the upcoming 2026 National Budget, arguing that these sectors are key to reducing Zimbabwe’s deepening socio-economic inequality.
In an interview, Nqobizitha Mlambo, the National Coordinator of FIAZ, said the national budget remains one of the most powerful tools government can use to correct inequality and uplift vulnerable citizens.
“At Fight Inequality Alliance Zimbabwe, we believe the budget must commit at least 4.5% of GDP toward social protection,” Mlambo said.
“The government, through the Minister of Finance, must also ensure that 15% of national expenditure goes to healthcare in line with the Abuja Declaration of 2001.”
Mlambo emphasized that Zimbabwe’s widening wealth gap and persistent poverty levels are clear indicators that current policies are failing to address inequality effectively.
“Zimbabwe is one of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa with a high Gini coefficient, which means inequality levels are alarmingly high,” he said.
“Inequality leads to poverty, and it undermines the Sustainable Development Goals and constitutional provisions guaranteeing access to education, healthcare, water, and a clean environment.”
He added that the 2026 budget presents a crucial opportunity for the government to demonstrate commitment to social and economic justice.
The alliance argues that a fair and inclusive budget can play a transformative role in promoting equal access to public services and opportunities.
Mlambo said FIAZ’s position is that the education sector should receive 20% of government expenditure to improve access, quality, and equity, while at least 1.5% of GDP should go toward agriculture.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, yet millions of smallholder farmers still face food insecurity and low productivity,” he said.
“We need serious investment in this sector if we are to address hunger, rural poverty, and unemployment.”
He pointed out that the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Promotion is currently touring provinces to gather citizens’ input, and urged Zimbabweans especially young people to seize the opportunity to make their voices heard.
Mlambo encouraged young people to actively engage in civic and policy-making processes beyond social media discussions.
“To the young people, we are saying: do not be left behind. Participate in the budget-making process. When Parliament calls for public input whether on the budget, the Climate Change Bill, or the National Health Insurance Bill take part,” he said.
He also urged youth to connect with FIAZ through digital platforms to stay informed and contribute to advocacy efforts.
“Follow Fight Inequality Alliance Zimbabwe on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Join us in the movement to end poverty, inequality, and unemployment. This is not an elite struggle it’s a people’s movement,” Mlambo said.
Beyond fiscal allocations, FIAZ believes that re-industrialization and job creation are critical for reducing income disparities.
“Sustainable industrialization is one of the best ways to fight inequality,” Mlambo said.
“If Zimbabwe industrializes, we’ll create decent jobs in line with International Labour Organization standards. When people are employed, they earn an income, contribute taxes, and drive domestic demand. That’s how we achieve economic justice,” he said.
He argued that Zimbabwe must move away from being an exporter of raw materials and instead focus on value addition and manufacturing to stimulate growth and empower workers.
FIAZ, part of a global movement advocating for equality, works with trade unions, grassroots movements, students, human rights defenders, and journalists to challenge structural inequality in Zimbabwe.
“We are building a coalition of voices across the country to demand fair distribution of resources,” Mlambo said.
“Economic justice is not just about numbers in the budget it’s about dignity, access, and opportunity for every Zimbabwean.”
The alliance says it will continue to lobby policymakers to ensure that the 2026 National Budget is people-centered and aligned with Zimbabwe’s constitutional and international obligations.
“A just and inclusive budget is possible,” Mlambo lamented.
“It only requires political will and active citizen participation to make it happen,” emphasised Mlambo
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