Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring effective implementation of Social Protection in Zambia.

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary Angela Kawandami said this is evidenced by the several pieces of legislation relating to social protection enacted.

Ms. Kawandami mentioned the Children´s Code Act, the National Health Insurance Act, the National Pension Scheme Act and the Persons with Disability Act among other legislations which have been enacted to enhance social protection in the country.

The Permanent Secretary said this when responding to recommendations made by a group of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) regarding social protection and legal framework at a press briefing in Lusaka.

The CSOs who include the Friedrich-Ebert- Stiftung Zambia in collaboration with the Southern African Social Protection Experts Network (SASPEN), Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) and the Consortium for Rights and Welfare of Older Persons (CROP) called for the enactment of the Social Protection Bill following a social policy forum held in March 2023.

They noted that the Bill, once enacted will provide a legal basis for citizens to hold the state accountable for the provision of social protection.

Ms. Kawandami indicated that Government will continue to review policies, repeal and enact legislation that are aimed at creating an enabling legal and policy environment for enhanced provision of social protection.

“Government aspires to develop overarching legislation on social protection, this will be largely informed in the new National Social Protection Policy which is currently being developed,” she said.

She further commended stakeholders for continued support towards the social protection sector and assured that Government will study the recommendations submitted and act accordingly.