Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami, says the Ministry has drawn valuable lessons from past shocks, which are now shaping efforts to strengthen resilience and improve disaster preparedness across the country.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the launch of the Disaster Risk Financing Diagnostic Study Report and the Regional Emergency Preparedness and Access to Inclusive Recovery (REPAIR) Project, which was officiated by Minister of Finance, Mr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Ms. Kawandami said the Ministry has enhanced its institutional capacity across all 116 districts.

She noted that personnel at the grassroots level have been engaged to support data collection and enumeration, while investments in management information systems have improved the accuracy and efficiency of data management. This, she said, has enabled the Ministry to deliver social protection interventions in a more targeted and timely manner, particularly to vulnerable communities.

Ms. Kawandami also indicated that collaboration with other line ministries and key stakeholders has been critical in ensuring inclusive and coordinated implementation of interventions.

She further stressed the need for heightened preparedness to support the strengthening and scaling up of social protection and disaster response programmes, aimed at reducing vulnerability levels, which currently stand at 60 percent.

Ms. Kawandami has since welcomed the REPAIR Project, expressing optimism that it will enhance the country’s capacity to respond to disasters and support inclusive recovery efforts.

She said the initiative is expected to play a key role in strengthening coordination, building resilience, and improving response mechanisms for vulnerable populations affected by shocks.