General

Government has commended the growing partnership between the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) and the National Disability Council of Namibia (NDCN), describing it as a significant step towards strengthening disability inclusion, institutional capacity, and regional cooperation. This came to the fore when the Namibian delegation, accompanied by officers from ZAPD, paid a courtesy call on Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami, during their visit to Zambia. Speaking during the meeting, Ms. Kawandami expressed appreciation to the Namibian delegation for returning to Zambia and advancing the knowledge exchange initiative with ZAPD. She noted that the visit demonstrates a shared commitment by the two institutions to translate dialogue into action and deepen collaboration for the benefit of persons with disabilities. The Permanent Secretary commended both ZAPD and NDCN for successfully signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), describing it as a reflection of their collective desire to build inclusive institutions that learn from one another through the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and best practices. Ms. Kawandami said she was pleased that the visit had culminated in the signing of the MoU, one of the key outcomes discussed during the Namibian delegation’s previous visit to Zambia. She congratulated both institutions on reaching this important milestone, which she said would further strengthen collaboration in policy implementation, institutional capacity building, information sharing, and the promotion of disability rights. She noted that the partnership provides a valuable opportunity for both organisations to share knowledge, undertake joint research, enhance technical cooperation, and strengthen systems that support the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Zambia and Namibia. The Permanent Secretary further emphasized that by leveraging their collective expertise and experiences, the two institutions can develop innovative, evidence-based, and sustainable approaches that improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities in both countries. Ms. Kawandami observed that partnerships such as the one between ZAPD and NDCN demonstrate the progress being made towards building more accessible, inclusive, and resilient societies. She added that the collaboration reaffirms the commitment of both countries to the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the pledge to leave no one behind. She reiterated Government’s commitment to fostering partnerships that advance inclusive development and ensure that persons with disabilities fully participate in all aspects of national development in line with national and international commitments. Ms. Kawandami expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen the longstanding cooperation between Zambia and Namibia and lay a solid foundation for sustainable collaboration that delivers tangible benefits for persons with disabilities in both countries. A key focus of the visit is the exchange of knowledge on Disability Management Information Systems (DMIS), with the Namibian delegation learning from Zambia’s experience in developing and implementing a disability registration and data management system. The engagement is expected to enhance the capacity of both institutions to generate reliable disability data for planning, service delivery, and evidence-based decision-making. The visit by the Namibian delegation runs from 22nd to 26th June 2026 and includes technical discussions, experience sharing, and the inaugural meeting of the Joint Technical Committee established under the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding.

The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) and the National Disability Council of Namibia (NDCN) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation and advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the two countries. The landmark agreement, signed in Lusaka, marks a significant milestone in regional collaboration on disability affairs and reflects the shared commitment of Zambia and Namibia to building inclusive societies where persons with disabilities can fully participate and thrive. The MoU provides a framework for cooperation in key areas including disability management information systems, institutional capacity building, accessibility, assistive technology, research, policy development, education and training, healthcare, and the exchange of technical expertise. Speaking during the signing ceremony, ZAPD Director General Mr. Frankson Musukwa described the agreement as the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration that will facilitate knowledge sharing, joint research, technical cooperation, and the strengthening of systems that support the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities. And ZAPD Interim Board Chairperson Mr. Morden Mayembe emphasized that the partnership goes beyond the signing of a document and represents a commitment to action, innovation, and measurable progress. Mr. Mayembe noted that through collaboration, both institutions would work towards ensuring that no person with a disability is left behind. National Disability Council of Namibia Chief Executive Officer Ms. Angelique Philander highlighted the strong historical ties between Zambia and Namibia and underscored the importance of regional cooperation in promoting disability rights. She stated that the partnership would provide opportunities for both institutions to learn from one another, strengthen disability governance, and improve service delivery for persons with disabilities. The MoU follows a series of engagements between the two institutions, including discussions on disability management information systems and the exchange of best practices in disability programming. A Joint Committee will be established to oversee the implementation of the agreement and ensure that the partnership delivers tangible benefits for persons with disabilities in both countries. The signing of the MoU reaffirms the commitment of Zambia and Namibia to the principles of inclusion, equality, and human rights, while contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Agenda. National Disability Council of Namibia See less

Social Cash Transfer Beneficiaries Rise to 1.5 Million as Zambia Launches Inclusive Social Protection Week Zambia has expanded its Social Cash Transfer Programme from 1.3 million beneficiaries to 1.5 million beneficiaries, marking a significant milestone in Government’s efforts to strengthen social protection and improve the welfare of vulnerable households across the country. The increase was highlighted during the official launch of the 2026 Zambia Social Protection Week by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS). Speaking at the launch, MCDSS Permanent Secretary Ms. Angela Kawandami said the annual commemoration provides an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on progress made, assess emerging challenges, and share experiences aimed at strengthening social protection service delivery. Held under the theme, “Inclusive Social Protection for Dignity, Security and Development,” the event brought together government officials, cooperating partners, civil society organisations, development agencies and other stakeholders committed to poverty reduction and social welfare. Ms. Kawandami described social protection as a critical tool for building resilience among vulnerable populations and promoting inclusive national development. She called for continued collaboration among Government, cooperating partners, the private sector, civil society organisations and local communities, noting that poverty reduction requires collective action from all sectors of society. The Permanent Secretary further highlighted achievements recorded since the launch of the Revised National Social Protection Policy in 2025, which guides the implementation of programmes aimed at improving the welfare and livelihoods of poor and vulnerable households. Beyond the expansion of the Social Cash Transfer Programme, Government has significantly increased support under the Food Security Pack Programme. The wetland farming component now supports 120,000 households, up from 40,000 households in 2025, while 200,000 beneficiaries are receiving assistance under the rain-fed cropping component. Ms. Kawandami also announced the commencement of payments under the Emergency Cash Transfer Programme and the Food Security Pack Emergency Programme. Meanwhile, Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary Mr. Zechariah Luhanga emphasized the importance of collective action and strong partnerships in advancing a multi-sectoral approach to social protection and delivering sustainable interventions. Reflecting the theme, “Inclusive Social Protection for Dignity, Security and Development,” ZAPD conducted disability registration during the event at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre. The exercise attracted a number of persons with disabilities who were successfully registered, highlighting ongoing efforts to promote inclusion and facilitate access to social protection programmes and other services for persons with disabilities.

For many persons with disabilities, barriers to healthcare remain deeply entrenched from inaccessible infrastructure to communication gaps and discriminatory attitudes. Today, ZAPD Accessibility Officers, alongside Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), with support from Sightsavers Zambia, conducted an accessibility audit at Chilenje Level One Hospital. The audit assessed key areas including infrastructure, client flow, communication, counselling, and health promotion to ensure that inclusion is integrated into every stage of service delivery. The exercise aimed to determine whether health services are accessible, respectful, and responsive to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities. Following the assessment, recommendations were made, and hospital management expressed willingness to implement adjustments where feasible. Special recognition goes to the health team, which demonstrated a commitment to serving persons with disabilities and highlighted the measures they have put in place to support patients despite some accessibility challenges identified during the audit. Together, we can build a health system, and indeed a country that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all people. See less

Meet Zindaba Jane Banda A force of resilience, ambition, and purpose — Zindaba Jane Banda is a Public Health professional and entrepreneur making her mark in Zambia. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Education from the University of Zambia and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Health at the same institution. Jane is the CEO of Purchase Plus Solutions, a thriving supply company serving various organisations across Zambia, and the founder of Elegance with Zindi Salon, a business born from her passion for beauty and self-expression.📍 You can find her salon at ECL Mall in Kitwe. Born and raised in Kafue, about 50km from Lusaka, Jane’s journey later took her to Kitwe, where she works with PACT Zambia under the HIV Care and Treatment Programme in Monitoring and Evaluation. Her story, however, is one of extraordinary strength. Jane’s childhood was not easy — it was marked by frequent hospital stays at the Italian Hospital and the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka. Much of her learning happened within hospital walls. While other children played outside, Jane spent her time indoors reading with her father, who became her pillar of strength after the loss of her mother. Jane chooses not to define herself by her disability. Instead, she sees it as part of what shaped her determination, a driving force that pushes her to go beyond expectations. She has faced bullying, stares, and moments of doubt from others, but she has always risen above them. Inspired by her father’s words, “the sky is the limit,” Jane continues to push boundaries and rewrite her story. Jane is also a beneficiary of Government support through the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board, which eased the financial burden on her family and enabled her to focus on her education and wellbeing. As a proud holder of a Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) card, she has accessed various services, including acquiring a vehicle, benefiting from ZRA disability tax refunds, and securing higher education support. She now looks forward to leveraging these opportunities further to grow her businesses. 🚗 Her message to other persons with disabilities is powerful and clear:💬 “Do not let the world define your limits. Yes, there will be challenges, but focus on your goals. Adjust, rise, and keep moving forward.” On love, Jane believes in its beauty and remains open to it. ❤️ To anyone who feels small, overwhelmed, or tempted to withdraw from the world — Jane’s words are a reminder:🌟 “The sky is not even the limit. Go out there and chase your dreams unapologetically.” #Inspiration #DisabilityInclusion #ZAPD #Resilience #BreakingBarriers

ZAPD, in collaboration with the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD), has successfully conducted and concluded a training on accessibility audits. The training was aimed at building capacity among Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and key stakeholders in understanding and conducting accessibility audits. It attracted approximately 20 participants drawn from various organizations, all committed to promoting inclusive environments and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. A key highlight of the training was the practical field component, where participants conducted inspections at selected institutions, including Chilenje B Secondary School, University Teaching Hospital Special School, and Norwegian Church Aid. These site visits provided valuable hands-on experience in identifying accessibility gaps and proposing improvements. ZAPD Inspectors Ms. Precious Mumba and Ms. Sherrine Munkombwe, together with the Director Inspectorate Mr. Boniface Tumba, were on hand to provide technical guidance throughout the training. Their expertise enabled participants to gain deeper insight into accessibility requirements and the processes involved in conducting effective accessibility audits. The training was made possible with financial support from Sight Savers, whose continued partnership is instrumental in advancing inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities. ZAPD, working closely with ZAFOD, remains committed to strengthening accessibility across institutions and empowering stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to foster inclusive communities. Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations – ZAFOD Sightsavers

The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami, has urged the new ZAPD Board to lead with selfless service, sacrifice, and stewardship as they take on the responsibility of advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. The call was made in a speech delivered on her behalf by Director Social Welfare, Mr. Morris Moono, during the official opening of the induction meeting for the Board. In her message, Ms. Kawandami emphasized that the induction is not merely a procedural requirement, but a critical foundation for effective governance, accountability, and service delivery. She stressed that strong leadership begins with a shared understanding of roles, transparency, and collective decision-making. “Effective governance begins with a shared understanding,” the statement noted, encouraging Board Members to actively engage, collaborate, and provide forward-looking strategic guidance. The induction equipped Board Members with key insights into: ZAPD’s mandate and operations Governance and institutional structures The legal and policy framework Their role in strengthening service delivery. Speaking at the close of the induction, ZAPD Board Chairperson, Mr. Silvestor Katontoka, reflected on the importance of the training and the responsibility ahead. “The knowledge shared today has not only deepened our understanding of corporate governance, but has also reaffirmed the solemn responsibility that comes with serving on the ZAPD Board,” he said. “We have been reminded that our role is not about personal gain or allowances, but about commitment to the institution and to the persons with disabilities whom we serve,” said the board chair. Mr. Katontoka further highlighted the Board’s commitment to leaving a lasting impact. “The decisions we make today must strengthen ZAPD for generations to come and improve the lives of persons with disabilities across Zambia,” he said. He also expressed sincere appreciation to the facilitators and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the induction, and called on fellow Board Members to uphold the highest standards of governance with integrity, unity, and purpose.

About 500 persons with disabilities have been registered in Nyimba District through a successful mobile outreach exercise by the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Eastern Province office. The team recently conducted a mobile registration exercise in Nyimba District, bringing essential services closer to communities and ensuring that persons with disabilities are formally recognized and able to access vital social protection programmes. The exercise was supported by the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations, with financial backing from Christian Blind Mission. This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in advancing inclusion and improving service delivery at community level. Nyimba is one of the seven districts where ZAFOD is implementing a four-year project titled “Strengthening Decentralization Structures to Effectively Respond to the Needs of Persons with Disabilities.” The project aims to empower local systems to better serve persons with disabilities and ensure no one is left behind. The 500 disability cards, have since been handed over to the Social Welfare Office for distribution across the three wards where registration took place. This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing access to services, promoting inclusion, and improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities in Nyimba District. Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations – ZAFOD #DisabilityInclusion #LeaveNoOneBehind #InclusionMatters

Shibuyunji District, Zambia – A beneficiary of the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme in Shibuyunji District is demonstrating how inclusive social protection can transform lives and promote self-reliance among persons with disabilities. Mulemwa Simwana, a person with an intellectual disability and speech impairment, has successfully utilized the Social Cash Transfer support to establish a sustainable livelihood. Through prudent investment, Mulemwa ventured into livestock farming and currently owns 17 goats, while also engaging in other agricultural activities. His achievement reflects the positive impact of targeted social protection programmes in empowering persons with disabilities to become economically active and independent members of society. During a recent engagement, Mulemwa’s mother expressed gratitude to Government for its continued efforts in supporting persons with disabilities through various empowerment initiatives. She noted that the Social Cash Transfer programme has not only improved their household welfare but has also restored hope and dignity. Officials from the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) and the Department of Social Welfare commended Mulemwa for his initiative and effective use of the support received. They emphasized that his success story serves as an example of how inclusion and opportunity can unlock potential within communities. The Department of Social Welfare reaffirmed Government’s commitment to promoting inclusive development, stressing that no one should be left behind in national development efforts. ZAPD also expressed appreciation to the Zambia Association for Employment of Persons with Disabilities (ZAEPD) for its continued advocacy and support in advancing the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Shibuyunji District. Mulemwa’s journey stands as a testament to the power of inclusion and the importance of sustained investment in social protection programmes that uplift and empower vulnerable members of society.

A young woman with a disability showcasing her artwork during the Youth Day celebrations in Solwezi received an unexpected life-changing moment, a job offer from the Minister of Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Hon. Elvis Nkandu. What started as a simple exhibition of her entrepreneurial art skills quickly turned into a moment of celebration and hope, proving that when young people are given a platform, their talent can open real doors. The inspiring moment happened during the Youth Day commemorations held at Solwezi Independence Stadium, where youths with disabilities joined thousands of other young people under the theme “Rise and Soar.” The national event was graced by President Hakainde Hichilema as Guest of Honour, while the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Director General was also present to show solidarity with youths with disabilities. Moments like these remind us that ability, talent and determination know no barriers. When given the opportunity, youths with disabilities will not only rise, they will truly soar.