The Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, has over the past week disbursed Social Cash Transfer (SCT) funds to over 300,000 beneficiary households across the country through various Payment Service Providers (PSPs).

This follows the release of the final K355 million by the Ministry of Finance, enabling the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services to complete pending payments, particularly for beneficiaries on Airtel Money who experienced delays.

The Ministry is currently mopping up payments for the November/December 2024 payment cycle and is in the process of preparing for the January/February 2025 payment cycle to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive their entitlements in a timely manner.

The release of these funds underscores the Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the livelihoods of Zambia’s most vulnerable citizens, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. By promoting economic empowerment and reducing poverty, the Social Cash Transfer programme continues to foster inclusive growth and social protection for the nation’s most marginalized groups.

The Ministry extends its gratitude to the Government, the World Bank, and other cooperating partners for their invaluable support and collaboration in strengthening social protection systems in Zambia.

Permanent Secretary Ms. Angela Kawandami reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing service delivery in the Social Cash Transfer programme.

“We assure our beneficiaries and the general public that the government will continue to implement various social protection interventions aimed at uplifting the living standards of our people. We are also doing our best to improve the efficiency of cash transfer payments and ensure that the impact of this programme is felt at all levels,” Ms. Kawandami said.

The Ministry urges beneficiaries to use the funds prudently to improve their livelihoods and contribute to community development.