Government Confirms Salary Increase for Civil Servants in Early 2026

Government Confirms Salary Increase for Civil Servants in Early 2026

The Government has confirmed that civil servants will receive another round of salary adjustments in early 2026. This comes as the Treasury is working to balance wage demands with limited fiscal resources.

Also Read: Zimbabwe Announces Special Presidential Bonus For Civil Servants In Addition To Regular Annual Bonus

Adjustments to Follow Completion of Bonus Payments

The announcement comes as Government is finalising the payment of staggered US$150 Special Presidential bonuses to members of the Public Service, including uniformed forces, pensioners and traditional leaders.

Authorities have indicated that the bonus payments are expected to be completed by the end of this month.

Mthuli Ncube Addresses Parliament on Wage Pressures

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube revealed the planned salary adjustments while responding to lawmakers during the 2026 National Budget debate in the National Assembly last week.

Legislators had urged Treasury to increase allocations to several Government programmes, including the Basic Education Assistance Module and social services, proposing that additional funding be drawn from Unallocated Reserves.

Treasury Cautions Against Overreliance on Reserves

In his response, Prof Ncube warned that the Unallocated Reserves — funds set aside during the Budget process for unforeseen needs — are limited and already committed to key obligations.

“I would really like to persuade our colleagues. We have a limited purse. I know (Mbizo MP) Hon (Corban) Madzivanyika did mention that we seem to have a large Unallocated Reserve. I can assure you it is not large at all. It will go so fast and so quickly,” Minister Ncube said.

Job Evaluation Driving Pay Adjustments

The Finance Minister explained that a significant portion of the Unallocated Reserves will be absorbed by the upcoming salary adjustments, which are based on the job evaluation exercise currently guiding public sector remuneration reforms.

“One issue is the budget for salary adjustments for civil servants in the first quarter. It is going to happen and it is based on the job evaluation exercise. It is going to eat away quite a lot of that Unallocated Reserve. It will not go far,” he said, noting that the process will significantly reduce the available reserve funds.