LUSAKA | July 14, 2026 – ABSA Bank Zambia has partnered with the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) to support the provision of assistive technology for persons with disabilities through the 2026 ABSA Marathon, with proceeds from the marathon set to improve access to life-changing assistive devices across the country.
The partnership was unveiled today during the official launch of the 2026 ABSA Marathon, where Government hailed the initiative as a demonstration of how sport can be leveraged to promote inclusion, empower communities and transform lives.
Officiating at the event, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Mr. Kangwa Chileshe, said Government remains committed to transforming sport into a viable industry by creating opportunities for athletes, improving sporting infrastructure, strengthening partnerships with the private sector and ensuring that sporting talent receives the support it deserves.
Mr. Chileshe said the partnership between ABSA Bank Zambia and ZAPD serves as a reminder that sport is not only about competition, but also about compassion, inclusion and opportunity.
He noted that the provision of assistive technology for persons with disabilities would open doors to education, employment, mobility and independent living.
“Beyond every contribution is a story of a child whose life has been transformed, a young person empowered to pursue their dreams, and a family given renewed hope,” Mr. Chileshe said.
Speaking during the launch, ZAPD Director General Mr. Frankson Musukwa commended ABSA Bank Zambia for placing disability inclusion at the heart of this year’s marathon, describing the partnership as a significant investment in restoring dignity, independence and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Mr. Musukwa noted that according to the 2015 Zambia National Disability Survey, an estimated 7.7 percent of Zambia’s population aged two years and above has a disability, yet only 20 percent of those who require assistive devices have access to them.
He added that the World Health Organization estimates that more than 2.5 billion people globally require one or more assistive products, with demand projected to exceed 3.5 billion by 2050.
He emphasized that access to assistive technology is not an act of charity, but an investment in human dignity, equality and independence, as appropriate assistive devices enable persons with disabilities to access education, employment, healthcare, sports and other opportunities that allow them to participate fully in national development.
Earlier, ABSA Bank Zambia Managing Director Dr. Mizinga Melu officially announced the Bank’s partnership with ZAPD and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to using sport as a vehicle for positive social change.
Dr. Melu disclosed that ABSA Bank, together with its partners, has increased this year’s investment in the marathon to K14 million and is targeting 10,000 runners for the 2026 edition.
She said proceeds raised from marathon registrations will be channelled towards the provision of assistive technology for persons with disabilities, enabling more individuals to access devices that improve mobility, communication, learning and independent living.
Dr. Melu further announced that, among the prizes to be awarded to outstanding athletes, ABSA has reserved K50,000 in prize money specifically for persons with disabilities, reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to ensuring that athletes with disabilities are fully included and recognised in one of Zambia’s premier sporting events.
She called on members of the public, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to participate in the marathon, noting that every registration will contribute towards changing lives and creating a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities.
The 2026 ABSA Marathon is expected to attract 10,000 participants from across Zambia and beyond, bringing together runners, corporate organisations and development partners in support of disability inclusion through increased access to assistive technology.