General

ZAPD Disability Registration Continues! ZAPD continues to provide disability registration services at the 98th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show. The ZAPD team is readily available to attend to you, and persons with disabilities who wish to register and learn more about the services, programmes and opportunities available through the Agency. Marking the Official opening of the Show, Ms. Angela Kawandami, Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, visited the ZAPD stand to appreciate the team’s work and efforts in promoting disability inclusion and bringing services closer to persons with disabilities. Visit us at the MCDSS Stand and get registered! If you are a person with a disability and have not yet registered with ZAPD, this is your opportunity. Our team is ready to assist you. Register. Be counted. Be included.

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.

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ZAPD COMMENDS ZNBC TV FOR ENHANCED SIGN LANGUAGE VISIBILITY; CALLS ON PARLIAMENT TV AND OTHER BROADCASTERS TO EMULATE ACCESSIBLE MEDIA STANDARDS LUSAKA, ZAMBIA 29th July, 2026— The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) commends the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC TV) for significantly enlarging and improving the visibility of its sign language interpreter insert during its main news and public interest broadcasts. This progressive step ensures that Deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens across Zambia can follow national developments with clarity, dignity and ease. Prominent, clear and unhindered sign language interpretation on public television is not a favor; it is a fundamental right that promotes true national inclusion. ZAPD wishes to remind all public and private media houses that full access to information is legally mandated under the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012. Specifically, Section 49 explicitly provides that: All television stations shall provide a sign language insert or subtitles in all newscasts and educational programmes, and in all programmes covering events of national importance. Furthermore, with the draft National Accessibility Standards Guidelines awaiting approval by Cabinet, ZAPD expects all television stations to proactively prepare for full implementation and compliance with Section 49. Broadcasting houses should not wait for formal policy enforcement to begin adopting inclusive media practices. In light of this statutory mandate and upcoming standards, ZAPD challenges Parliament TV to make adjustments to their sign language insert, ZANIS TV and other television broadcasters across the nation to follow ZNBC’s example. Parliamentary debates, committee proceedings, and legislative updates directly impact the lives of all Zambians, including persons with disabilities. Obscured, overly small, or non-existent sign language inserts deprive Deaf citizens of their constitutional and statutory right to participate meaningfully in civic life. Access to information is a key pillar of inclusive governance. ZAPD remains committed to working alongside media institutions to establish, maintain, and enforce accessibility standards that leave no one behind. ISSUED BY: Frankson Musukwa Director General Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD)

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.