The role of social protection in the informal sector in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study examines the role of social protection systems in Zimbabwe’s informal sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. It fills a critical research gap by providing an in-depth examination of the effectiveness and limitations of social protection measures in the informal sector, an area that has received limited attention in existing literature. The research aims to evaluate whether the existing social protection measures provided adequate support to informal sector workers and their dependents during the COVID-19 crisis. To achieve this objective, a qualitative research design was employed, utilizing telephone interviews and documentary analysis for data collection. The Capability Approach was adopted as the analytical framework. Study findings reveal that the primary role of social protection in the informal sector included safeguarding workers and their dependents against income loss due to exposure to risks. However, the analysis highlights gaps in the existing social protection system, such as limited coverage, inadequate financial support, and inefficiencies in implementation, demonstrating its limitations in effectively supporting the informal sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. We propose several recommendations to strengthen social protection programs in Zimbabwe, including expanding coverage to all informal sector workers, increasing financial support to match living costs, and improving implementation efficiency to ensure timely and effective assistance. Based on these findings, this ensures better preparedness and resilience during times of adversity. © The Author(s) 2025.