Zanzibar pension scheme timely for poor elderly [VIDEO]

What you need to know:

  • The Tsh20,000 paid to each of the men and women aged 70 years and above has been welcomed as timely intervention. Zanzibar’s older people are said to be heading up to 16 per cent of all households, supporting more than 200,000 vulnerable children.

With the introduction of universal pension, Zanzibar has become the first country in Eastern and Southern Africa region to roll out a cash pay plan for its elderly population.

The Tsh20,000 paid to each of the men and women aged 70 years and above has been welcomed as timely intervention.

Zanzibar’s older people are said to be heading up to 16 per cent of all households, supporting more than 200,000 vulnerable children.

The semi-autonomous country is in a union with mainland Tanzania which is yet to roll out a similar plan for its elderly population.

"This project has been funded by European journalism Center (EJC) via its innovation in development Reporting Grant Program http://www.journalismgrants.org

PHOTOS BY MYRIAM MELONI