The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has reaffirmed its commitment to improving transparency, accountability and efficiency in the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Programme following the launch of the 2025 Corruption Risks Assessment on the Implementation of the Social Cash Transfer Programme in Zambia.
The assessment identified key risks, including delayed payments to beneficiaries, delays in updating records of deceased beneficiaries, deputies receiving money on behalf of the deceased, digital payment challenges linked to technology and low literacy levels, and limited capacity among community structures supporting programme implementation.
Speaking when she officiated at the launch, Permanent Secretary Ms. Angela Kawandami commended Transparency International Zambia for conducting the assessment and thanked cooperating partners and stakeholders for their financial and technical support. She acknowledged that evidence-based assessments are vital for strengthening public policy and service delivery by identifying both strengths and areas requiring improvement.
She welcomed the report as a constructive tool that recognises the programme’s impact which currently supports more than 1.5 million households, reaching about 60 percent of Zambia’s poor population, while identifying governance risks that require attention.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted reforms already undertaken, including digitised beneficiary targeting, stronger verification systems, improved monitoring, closer collaboration with local authorities and expanded electronic payments.
She noted that 92 percent of beneficiaries now receive payments electronically, reducing cash-handling risks and improving efficiency. However, she acknowledged that some older persons, persons with disabilities and those with limited digital literacy still face challenges accessing digital payment platforms.
She said the Ministry will continue working with payment service providers, district authorities, cooperating partners and oversight institutions to improve payment reliability, update beneficiary records promptly, strengthen safeguards and enhance grievance redress mechanisms.
She also reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening Community Welfare Assistance Committees and Area Coordinating Committees, whose voluntary service remains central to programme implementation.
Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Johan Hallenborg commended the Ministry’s efforts in advancing social protection and reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s poverty reduction initiatives.
Norwegian Church Aid, Country Director Mr. Jonathan Lea-Howarth stated that the assessment confirms that the SCT programme continues to positively impact the lives of beneficiaries and expressed confidence that the findings would feed into future policies.
Meanwhile, Anti-Corruption Commission Director General Daphne Chabu described the assessment as an important diagnostic tool that will help identify and address corruption risks before they materialise, thereby promoting more efficient and effective service delivery.
