The Government of Zimbabwe has announced a new policy that extends the pensionable age for officers appointed on pensionable terms of service to seventy years, effective from January 1, 2025. According to the policy, civil servants may now retire at the age of sixty-five, with the option to continue working until the age of seventy while still qualifying for a full pension. However, any retirement that occurs after the age of sixty-five but before reaching seventy will be classified as early retirement.
The new directive states that officers shall have a pensionable age of seventy years, a notable shift from the previous retirement framework. This policy is seen as part of the government’s efforts to align with international best practices, respond to increasing life expectancy, and retain experienced personnel within the public sector for a longer period.
While the move has been welcomed by some senior officials as a progressive step that offers more flexibility and security, others have raised concerns about its impact on career progression and employment opportunities for younger professionals entering the civil service. The Public Service Commission is expected to release more detailed guidelines on the implementation of the policy and how it will affect both current and future employees.
