Financial constraints pose a challenge to regular payment of pensions

Maputo, 02 Oct (AIM) – The Mozambican government has admitted that financial constraints pose a major challenge to the regular payment of pensions for the elderly, under the Basic Social Subsidy Programme (PSSB).

According to Joaquim Vicente, Secretary of State for Gender and Social Action, who was speaking on Thursday, during the celebrations of the International Day of Older Persons, pension payments faced difficulties between the second half of 2023 and the end of 2024.

“We have resumed the payment. However, given the current socio-economic situation, there are no immediate plans to increase the subsidy amount. The government’s priority is to ensure regular payments”, he said.

Vicente also said that the government will continue working with justice institutions to ensure that those responsible for abusing elderly people are held accountable.

The secretary of State said that the country needs to adopt a stronger social protection measure amid changes in demographic indicators, given that country’s Statistics Institute (INE) points out that life expectancy at birth in Mozambique increased from 56 in 2025 to 57 years old in 2026.

“It reinforces the need to adapt social protection and healthcare policies to the needs of an ageing population.

Addressing concerns over food supplies in residential care centres, Vicente said the government was working to ensure adequate food and assistance in state-run facilities, while describing privately operated centres as partners in providing services to older people.

Representatives of elderly people also raised concerns over delays, with Maria Cossa of the NGO “Third Age Forum” saying some beneficiaries had reportedly gone more than four months without receiving the allowance.

Talita Lumbela, also representing elderly people, called for an increase in the subsidy, arguing that its current value does not cover the cost of a basic food basket.

The representatives also drew attention to cases of domestic neglect, abuse and violence linked to accusations of witchcraft.

(AIM)

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