“Persons with disabilities face extra disability-related costs when accessing support services, participating in public and private life, and engaging in day-to-day activities,” said Mr. Leonard Marange, National Director of the Federation of Organizations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPZ).
Echoing this sentiment, Tsepang Nare emphasized: “The disability agenda cannot be effectively implemented without a budget that aligns with and is informed by the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Remember—for disability rights and inclusion, budgeting is commitment in action.”
These remarks highlight the persistent global and national challenges persons with disabilities face, particularly the high, often unrecognized costs they incur to participate fully in society. Without accessible support services and targeted financial resources, persons with disabilities are too often excluded from development and decision-making processes.

In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, with support from UNDP and UNESCO under the Global Disability Fund project, launched a series of initiatives to mainstream disability inclusion in national planning and budgeting. These efforts include capacity-building workshops, sensitization sessions, and the development of practical guidelines for duty bearers, rights holders, and service providers to operationalize CRPD-compliant budgeting, financial management, and inclusive service delivery.

To date, over 70 duty bearers from key line ministries, 45 members of the National Technical Committee on the Implementation of the National Disability Policy, and more than 320 members of newly established Provincial Disability Coordination Committees (in Harare, Bulawayo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Manicaland, Masvingo and Midlands) have been capacitated with plans to extend this to the remaining provinces.
In parallel, a National Guide on CRPD-Compliant Budgeting and Financial Management has been developed and is currently undergoing final review and approval by the two lead ministries ahead of its official launch and rollout.
“Indeed, it is encouraging to note that the two ministries responsible for disability services and national budgeting have taken the lead in initiating and prioritizing the conversation on CRPD-compliant budgeting and financial management. This marks a critical milestone toward ensuring that from planning to implementation, we are guided by the principles of inclusion, leaving no one behind,” stated Mrs. Muvingi, Head of the Transformative Governance Unit at UNDP.

While CRPD-compliant budgeting is still a relatively new concept globally, it presents a powerful opportunity to dismantle systemic barriers and promote inclusive governance. This approach not only enables more equitable allocation of resources to essential services for persons with disabilities but also strengthens transparency, accountability, and social participation. It empowers individuals with disabilities to meaningfully contribute to society and ensures that financial decisions reflect inclusive national priorities.

Looking ahead, UNDP will continue to support the institutionalization of these guidelines, enhance the capacity of the Office of the Auditor General to conduct disability-inclusive financial and performance audits, and foster platforms for continued dialogue among stakeholders. These discussions will focus on addressing disability-related costs and promoting inclusive policies, budgets, and service delivery.
Together, these efforts are laying the groundwork for sustainable, rights-based financing for disability inclusion in Zimbabwe—moving the country closer to a future where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and participate equally.