Visiting World Bank Managing Director, Ms. Anna Bjerde, has commended the Government of Zambia for the successful implementation of various social protection programmes aimed at uplifting the lives of vulnerable citizens.

Speaking during her interaction with Social Cash Transfer and GEWEL beneficiaries in Chongwe, Ms. Bjerde applauded the beneficiaries for their determination to transform their own lives through the opportunities provided by government initiatives.

She noted that the Social Cash Transfer Programme, which now reaches 40% of Zambia’s population and 82% of the extreme poor, has played a critical role in helping households withstand shocks such as droughts while improving welfare and consumption levels.

Ms. Bjerde further highlighted the remarkable achievements under the Keeping Girls in School Initiative, which has enrolled over 173,000 girls, enabling many to pursue higher education and careers.

She also praised the Supporting Women’s Livelihoods (SWL) initiative for empowering over 144,000 women to start businesses, increase their income, and achieve financial independence.

She equally lauded Zambia’s progress in digital transformation, which has connected more than 1.2 million beneficiaries to financial services through e-payments, enhancing financial inclusion and paving the way for the establishment of a national social registry.

Ms. Bjerde said the tangible impact of these programmes is evident in the lives of beneficiaries whose situations have shifted from vulnerability to sustainability, adding that the scale and effectiveness of Zambia’s social protection programmes are impressive.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms. Beatrice Chilomo, expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its continued support to Zambia’s social protection agenda, which continues to empower women, girls, and vulnerable households across the country.