Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society and strengthening Zambia’s national social protection system.
Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba, reiterated this commitment when she officially launched the revised Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Guidelines and the revised Public Welfare Assistance Scheme (PWAS) Guidelines.
Ms. Mwamba described the launch as more than a policy milestone, stating that it represents a renewal of Government’s promise that no vulnerable household will be left behind in any of Zambia’s 116 districts.
The Minister highlighted the Social Cash Transfer Programme as one of Government’s flagship interventions, noting its proven impact in improving household welfare, increasing school attendance, enhancing food security, building household assets, and restoring dignity to families through predictable and reliable income support.
She further underscored the importance of the Public Welfare Assistance Scheme, which dates back to the 1950s and continues to serve as Zambia’s emergency and short-term welfare lifeline for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, the chronically ill, destitute households, and individuals affected by crises.
The Minister also outlined key improvements contained in the revised guidelines, including strengthened targeting and enrolment processes, enhanced payment systems with robust safeguards, and a greater focus on secure digital payments.
Other improvements include increased shock-responsive and nutrition-sensitive support, improved public finance management and internal controls, as well as strengthened monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Ms. Mwamba expressed optimism that the revised SCT and PWAS guidelines will address lessons learned over time and respond effectively to the growing scale and complexity of social protection programmes, emphasizing that social protection is not an act of charity but a strategic investment in people, human capital, and national development.
Meanwhile, World Bank Representative Ms. Nadia Salim disclosed that the Bank has cumulatively invested approximately US$800 million in the SCT and other social protection programmes in Zambia over the past ten years.
She commended Government for achieving a major milestone, noting that it reflects dedicated leadership that prioritizes the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
UNICEF Country Deputy Representative, Mr. Henri Heikura, also commended Government for its strong leadership and continued investment in social protection interventions aimed at reducing poverty and vulnerability.
He further praised Government’s innovation in adopting digital payment systems, including mobile money solutions, which have enhanced efficiency, transparency, and financial inclusion.
Speaking on behalf of the Cooperating Partners, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Head of Human Development, Ms. Nicola Oldham, expressed delight that the revised guidelines have incorporated indexation, an important reform that ensures payments are adjusted over time so that rising food prices do not erode their value.
She noted that the guidelines will help ensure Social Cash Transfers reach the poorest and most vulnerable people in Zambia.
