KEY POINTS
- Zimbabwe to freeze most government hiring in 2026.
- Wage bill takes up 56 percent of national budget.
- IMF warns civil service costs are unsustainable.
Zimbabwe will halt recruitment across most government departments next year as part of efforts to curb its ballooning wage bill, the finance ministry said.
In a circular to ministries, Finance Secretary George Guvamatanga said the freeze will not apply to health, education, or security sectors considered critical to public services.
Treasury targets civil service costs
Guvamatanga noted concern over civil service growth in non-essential areas despite earlier budget commitments to cap hiring. The government employs about 330,000 people, with salaries accounting for roughly 56 percent of total spending.
“For 2026, the recruitment freeze will apply to all sectors with the exception of health, education and the security sector to a limited extent,” Guvamatanga said in the circular.
IMF flags wage bill as major risk
The International Monetary Fund has repeatedly urged Zimbabwe to rein in its public wage bill, identifying it as a major source of financial strain. In June, the lender singled out civil service pay as one of the country’s biggest fiscal pressures.
Budget consultations set to begin soon
The finance ministry is scheduled to begin consultations on the 2026 budget later this month. Spending guidelines for ministries and agencies will be issued by September 20, according to the circular.
Whether the freeze takes full effect remains to be seen. Previous attempts at limiting hiring have faltered, with the government rolling back earlier pledges amid pressure from ministries.
