Zimbabwe Extends Retirement Age for Uniformed Forces and Civil Servants

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The Zimbabwean government has extended the retirement age for uniformed forces and civil servants by five years, effective immediately.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi explained that the decision aims to utilise the skills and experience of older workers and reflects the increasing life expectancy in the country.

“Why waste productivity and experience?” Ziyambi said in an interview. “Instead, we must tap into that. We must harness experience to ensure efficiency.”

He highlighted that advancements in technology and medicine have contributed to longer lifespans, and many jobs no longer require strenuous physical labour.

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Ziyambi also addressed concerns about the impact on youth employment, stating that the job market would adjust over time as older workers eventually retire.
The retirement age for judges has been raised to 70, with the option to serve until 75 for those who remain fit.

Regular soldiers can now retire at 55, up from 50, with options to extend their service to 60 and 65. Commissioned officers in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces can now retire at 65, with the possibility of serving until 70.

This move follows a similar adjustment for judges, who can now serve until the age of 70, with the option to continue until 75 if they remain mentally and physically fit.

“We started with the judges to say those capable must serve on the bench to harness experience in justice delivery,” Ziyambi explained.

The retirement age for civil servants has been raised from 65 to 70, according to Statutory Instrument 198 of 2024.

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