General

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to disability inclusion, revealing that more than 1,800 additional children with physical disabilities have recently been identified across the country. Speaking on his behalf during the National Commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) in Mansa, Luapula Province, Community Development and Social Services Minister Ms. Doreen Mwamba described the findings as heartbreaking and urged affected families not to lose hope. President Hichilema thanked Jon and Friends in the United States for donating assistive devices for 800 children, adding that another 800 devices are expected soon. He said the support will help many children return to school, including those who had dropped out due to mobility challenges. The President also called on communities to show compassion and avoid exploiting vulnerable families, stressing that disability inclusion must be embraced across all sectors, education, social protection, parenting, and governance. He noted that the 2025 IDPD theme, “Fostering disability-inclusive societies to advance social progress,” reflects Zambia’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind. Stakeholders Call for Ratification of the African Disability Protocol Stakeholders at the event urged Government to classify, sign, and ratify the African Disability Protocol (ADP) without delay. IDPD Organising Committee Vice Chairperson Ms. Carol Kapungwe said the Protocol will strengthen national efforts to protect the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. She further encouraged Government and partners to promote inclusive employment opportunities across key sectors such as health, public administration, and security. ZAPD Highlights Progress and Remaining Gaps Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Director General Mr. Frankson Musukwa highlighted progress made through policy implementation, disability mainstreaming, and improved data systems. Key achievements include: Dissemination of the National Disability Policy and Mainstreaming Guidelines. Establishment of disability focal points in Government ministries with support from ILO. ️Rollout of the offline Disability Management Information System (DMIS). Registration of over 160,000 persons with disabilities as of October 2025. However, he acknowledged several challenges, including limited funding for disability services, inaccessible public infrastructure, especially in rural areas, low awareness leading to stigma, and shortages in human resources and logistics. Mr. Musukwa pledged to expand partnerships, strengthen mainstreaming efforts, advocate for increased funding, and reinforce data systems to support long-term inclusion. He also thanked partners including CBM, NAD, Sight Savers, World Vision, ILO, UNDP, Shoprite, and organisations of persons with disabilities for their continued support. The event also acknowledged the Water Voices United project, an EU and Danish People’s Aid co-funded initiative implemented by SNV and the NGO WASH Forum, for empowering WASH Civil Society Organisations and contributing to inclusive community development.

The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), with support from the Zambia National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (ZNAPD), is hosting an important Accessibility Workshop at the Chongwe Council Lodge. This workshop has brought together key partners such as: • Local Government Authorities • Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing & Urban Development • National Council for Construction • Disability-sector organisations including ZAFOD The goal is simple but powerful: to strengthen capacity, promote universal design, and ensure accessibility becomes a standard requirement in all infrastructure projects across Zambia. During an accessibility inspection at the District Administration Block, Chongwe District Commissioner Dr. Evans Lupiya expressed satisfaction with the workshop’s objectives. He further called for continued and intensified trainings to help champion accessibility and drive inclusive development in all communities. ZAPD remains committed to shaping a Zambia where planning and infrastructure fully include persons with disabilities, ensuring equal access, opportunity, and participation for everyone.

Today, the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) joined the nation in commemorating the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims under the theme “Lost Talent.” Road traffic accidents remain one of the major causes of disability, which is why ZAPD attaches great importance to this day of reflection and action. During the commemoration, Hon. Frank Tayali, Minister of Transport and Logistics, reminded the nation that every life lost on our roads is a future cut short and urged all road users to uphold safe practices. He highlighted Government interventions such as:- Ongoing construction and rehabilitation of key roads including the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway Increased enforcement through highway patrols, the Demerit Point System, and AI speed cameras The need for motorcycle riders to wear helmets, undergo proper training, and follow traffic rules He stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility and called on all citizens to embrace simple but life-saving measures like wearing seatbelts, slowing down, and showing courtesy on the road. RTSA Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Amon Mweemba, reaffirmed the Agency’s goal to reduce road deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030. He outlined ongoing efforts in enhancing road safety education, enforcement, emergency response, and engineering improvements. He also honoured RTSA officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. As candles were lit in memory of those who never made it back home, ZAPD joins the call for safer roads, stronger partnerships, and increased awareness, because preventing crashes also means preventing lifelong disabilities. Every life saved protects a story, a dream, and the future of our nation.

Zambia has taken a major step toward strengthening disability inclusion with the launch and flagging off of the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Information, Education and Communication Materials in Braille. The initiative aims to ensure persons with visual impairments have equal access to life-saving protection information, in line with the national commitment to leave no one behind. Gracing the event, Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) National Director, Mr. Norman Chipakupaku, observed that persons with visual impairments are often the most affected during disasters such as floods, droughts and epidemics. He stated that accessible information is critical during emergencies, stressing that every individual, regardless of ability, must have access to life-saving information and protection mechanisms. Mr. Chipakupaku announced that DMMU will integrate the booklets into disaster management structures and Community-Based Disaster Risk Management programmes. He reaffirmed DMMU’s responsibility to mainstream and strengthen PSEA and disability inclusion across preparedness, response and recovery frameworks, emphasising the unit’s commitment to ensuring all disaster-related actions consider the rights and needs of persons with disabilities. Speaking at the same event, ZAPD Director General Mr. Frankson Musukwa reiterated Agency’s commitment to partnering with state and non-state actors to ensure persons with disabilities receive life-changing opportunities. Mr. Musukwa thanked UNFPA and partners for supporting and promoting a more inclusive society. And Human Rights Commission Vice-Chairperson Dr. Felicity Kayumba Kalunga, described the initiative as a powerful embodiment of human rights values, inclusion, equality and dignity for all. Dr. Kalunga stated that ensuring persons with visual impairments have access to protection information is not a gesture but a fulfilment of constitutional and legal obligations, including the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Access to Information Act No. 24 of 2023. The Commission Vice Chair applauded UNFPA, government and all collaborating partners for their dedication to advancing disability inclusion through practical actions, describing the launch as an example of how strong partnerships can drive transformative change in human rights, protection and social justice. The launch marks a meaningful step toward ensuring that persons with visual impairments can access protection information on an equal basis with others, contributing to a safer and more inclusive Zambia.

12th November 2025 The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), conducted an accessibility inspection at St. Francis Mission Hospital in Katete to assess the mothers’ shelter and related facilities. We are pleased to report that the hospital has made significant and commendable progress in improving accessibility for persons with disabilities. Notably, the hospital has implemented thoughtful modifications to bathroom and toilet facilities to better accommodate all users. These efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive healthcare environment where persons with disabilities can access services on an equal basis with others. While the hospital’s progress is impressive, a few minor adjustments remain to ensure full compliance with universal accessibility standards. ZAPD sincerely appreciates the proactive approach and dedication of the hospital’s management and staff in striving toward this goal. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to CRS for their invaluable partnership and support in this initiative. Together, we continue to advance towards a more inclusive healthcare system that upholds the dignity of every mother and patient. ZAPD further calls upon all health facility owners to prioritize and adhere to universal standards of accessibility, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Zambia has held its First National Conference on Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) which is coming to a close today, marking a historic milestone in the country’s journey towards building an inclusive society where no one is left behind. The two-day conference brought together Government ministries, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), cooperating partners, and civil society to strengthen collaboration and scale up inclusive development across communities. Speaking during the official opening, ZAPD Director General, Mr. Frankson Musukwa, described the conference as “a historic milestone in the nation’s collective journey toward building a society where every person has an equal opportunity to participate fully in the life of their community.” He highlighted the progress Zambia has made through key policies such as the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012, the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019, and the Constituency Development Fund Act No. 1 of 2024, while acknowledging persistent challenges at community level, including stigma, limited resources, and coordination gaps. “This conference provides a timely platform to bridge policy and practice, and to translate commitments into concrete community action,” Mr. Musukwa said. And in her remarks, Ms. Caroline Cheelo, Country Director for the Norwegian Association of Disabled (NAD), commended Zambia for its leadership in advancing the CBID approach. “The success of CBID depends on strong collaboration between government, OPDs, and communities themselves,” Ms. Cheelo said. “NAD remains committed to supporting Zambia in building inclusive communities where no one is left behind.” The conference also recognised the invaluable contributions of partners including Cheshire Homes Society of Zambia, Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Sightsavers, World Vision, DAPP, and others for their technical and financial support in championing the CBID approach. As the conference concludes, participants have reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing inclusion and empowerment for persons with disabilities at community level. “Inclusion is not a favour, it is a right,” Mr. Musukwa emphasised. “Let us champion Community-Based Inclusive Development not just as a policy agenda, but as a shared national vision.”

Ipalo Foundation has successfully concluded a two-week Basic Sign Language Training Program in Kalulushi, held as part of the Sign Language Awareness Month celebrations observed in September. Made possible through the 2023 CDF Empowerment Program, the training brought together 35 participants, including teachers, nurses, physiotherapists, counselors, and community members, all eager to build stronger connections with the deaf community. “We commend Ipalo Foundation for organizing this important training,” said Anthony Mwansa, ZAPD Copperbelt Provincial Coordinator. “Promoting inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities remains central to Government’s inclusive development agenda.” Participants also formed a WhatsApp group, “Friends of Ipalo,” to keep sharing sign language materials and continue championing inclusion. ZAPD celebrates this milestone toward a more inclusive Kalulushi, where everyone’s voice is seen and heard!

The National Disability Council of Namibia (NDCN) is currently in Zambia on a collaborative learning visit hosted by the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD). This engagement marks a key step toward strengthening regional partnerships aimed at improving the welfare of Persons with Disabilities across the African continent. The NDCN team is on the ground learning from Zambia’s experience in developing and implementing the Disability Information Management System (DIMS) — a digital platform that centralizes data to improve service delivery and coordination in the disability sector. As part of this mission, NDCN is also engaging with the University of Zambia’s Centre for ICT (UNZA–CICT) to discuss the technical processes behind the successful rollout of DIMS.  Through this collaboration, NDCN wishes to learn how to:  Establish a centralized and secure database for Persons with Disabilities in Namibia.  Streamline the registration process and the issuance of disability cards.  Design a user-friendly platform for accessing essential services and benefits.  Foster stronger coordination among stakeholders in the disability sector. This partnership is a shining example of how African nations can share knowledge, technology, and best practices to ensure no one is left behind. #AfricaDisabilityInclusion #RegionalPartnership

In Solwezi, women with disabilities are showing remarkable resilience and innovation as they form cooperatives to improve their livelihoods and uplift their communities. For the past 20 years, the Holland Disabled Association has been a beacon of hope. With financial support from partners such as the Catholic Church, Government, and others, the Association took a bold step, building a lodge and rental shops. Today, the Association not only provides accommodation for travelers passing through the new Copperbelt but also generates income through shop rentals. What’s unique is their inclusive policy: every tenant renting a shop is required to employ at least one person with a disability in line with their skills. Through this initiative, 21 people, the majority being women and single mothers with disabilities, have found employment. This has reduced vulnerability, empowered families, and strengthened the community’s social fabric. On the outskirts of Solwezi, another inspiring story unfolds. The Kamatete Bethesda Club, with a membership of 20, was born from a ZAPD “Pass-on Project” where members received chickens. Building on that idea, the group later formed a cooperative, secured CDF funding, and ventured into piggery. Proceeds from the project go towards repaying the loan, while members occasionally receive a pig to own and raise themselves. This model is not only improving livelihoods but also promoting sustainability and reducing poverty. In another part of the mining town, the Nketekelani (Trust Me) Cooperative is filled with women with diverse disabilities who are eager to use their skills. While they currently rely on Social Cash Transfer support, they remain hopeful that with access to more funding and market linkages, they too will establish thriving enterprises. What these cooperatives now require is technical assistance and stronger market connections to grow and sustain their initiatives. These powerful stories came to light when a team from ZAPD and the ILO visited the clubs in their mission to document and showcase the advocacy work of women-led disability organizations in the province, and witness firsthand the impact being made. Together, these women are proving that disability is not inability. With the right support, they are building livelihoods, creating jobs, and showing us all the true meaning of resilience and empowerment. #WomenEmpowerment #DisabilityInclusion #Livelihoods #LeaveNoOneBehind

Permanent Secretary Col. Grandson Wishikoti Katambi and District Commissioner Mulofwa Tradeson have chosen to operate from ground floor offices, a bold move to break barriers and ensure persons with disabilities can easily access their offices. Their daily interactions and strong pledge show a true passion for inclusivity, proving that no one should be left behind, regardless of ability. This commitment was highlighted when the ILO and ZAPD teams paid a courtesy call during their mission to document and showcase the advocacy work of women-led disability organizations in the province. Kudos to the Northwestern Provincial Administration for showing that true leadership is not about the office you sit in, but about the lives you touch.