General

Siavonga District Commissioner Geoffrey Jakopo has called for urgent action to dismantle barriers faced by persons with disabilities, describing inaccessibility as “a form of injustice.” Speaking at the ongoing workshop to validate Zambia’s Draft Accessibility Guidelines, Mr. Jakopo highlighted challenges such as inaccessible infrastructure, non-inclusive public transport, and digital platforms that exclude persons with visual or hearing impairments. He also noted the lack of accessible formats in public communication, such as Braille and sign language. “These are not mere inconveniences, they are systemic exclusions that result in lost opportunities, limited education, and avoidable health risks,” he said. Mr. Jakopo described the broad participation including government officials, employers, workers, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), academia, professional bodies, and parastatals, as a testament to the shared commitment to building an inclusive, rights-based society. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusion through instruments such as the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012,Cabinet Circular No. 30 of 2024, and the recently launched National Policy on Persons with Disabilities, along with its Implementation Plan and Disability Mainstreaming Guidelines. Calling the Draft Guidelines, a “monumental step,” Mr. Jakopo urged stakeholders to ensure the workshop sparks a national shift from compliance to commitment, and from policy to practice. The workshop which ends tomorrow, is organized by the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), with financial support from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Kansanshi Mine PLC, through the Kansanshi Foundation, has donated a printer and essential printing materials to the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) North-Western Provincial Office in Solwezi to support the production of disability cards. The donation, comprising a printer, 5,000 plain cards and 10 ribbons, was handed over by Kansanshi Foundation Manager Mr. Simon Donald Keevil, who said the Mine is committed to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. “Having learned of the challenges faced by the ZAPD office in printing disability cards, Kansanshi Mine saw an opportunity to step in and assist,” he noted. Receiving the donation, ZAPD Provincial Coordinator Mr. Osco Moondoma expressed gratitude to the Mine, stating that the support would significantly help reduce the backlog of unprinted disability cards and enable continued service delivery. He also appealed to Kansanshi Mine to sustain its support for persons with disabilities through its corporate social responsibility programmes. Mr. Emmanuel Samu, a person with a disability and Coordinator for Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID), also lauded the Mine’s gesture and ZAPD’s engagement efforts. “This donation means that many of my fellow persons with disabilities will finally access disability cards, which are a vital document for accessing various services and benefits,” he said. The donation is valued at K168,000 and is expected to enhance ZAPD’s operational capacity in the region.

July 14, 2025 – Siavonga, Southern Province, Zambia, -The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Inspectorate, in collaboration with other experts in the disability sector, has convened in Siavonga to validate newly developed accessibility guidelines, an activity that marks a major milestone toward the establishment of national standards designed to promote inclusivity across all sectors. Mandated under Section 40 (3) of the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012, ZAPD is responsible for developing minimum standards and guidelines to ensure the accessibility of facilities and services open or provided to the public. In line with this mandate, the guidelines, drafted last year to align with the Act, will undergo a comprehensive review and validation from July 14 to 18, 2025. The workshop in Siavonga is a key step in finalizing standardized accessibility inspection guidelines. This initiative is a direct response to the significant barriers that persons with disabilities continue to face due to inaccessible environments. Access to services, facilities, and opportunities is not simply a matter of convenience, it is a fundamental human right protected by law. Speaking during the workshop, ZAPD Director-Inspectorate Mr. Bornface Tumba expressed satisfaction that this long-awaited development is now becoming a reality. “Access to services, facilities, and opportunities is not merely a matter of convenience, but a fundamental human right enshrined in law,” Mr. Tumba emphasized. “With concerted efforts, we can build a Zambia that is truly inclusive, where accessibility is not an afterthought, but a priority woven into our infrastructure, services, and societal norms.” International Labour Organization (ILO) Social Protection Manager for Zambia, Mr. Jie Yu Koh, also underscored the significance of the guidelines, describing them as a concrete pathway to realizing both national and international commitments, including the Persons with Disabilities Act and the National Disability Policy. Mr. Yu highlighted the wide representation at the workshop, including government officials, employers, workers, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), academia, professional associations, and parastatals, as a testament to the shared commitment to building an inclusive, rights-based society. He reaffirmed the ILO’s full support for the process, noting that the organization will continue to provide technical assistance and foster partnerships to ensure the guidelines are not only validated but effectively implemented and monitored. Mr. Yu concluded by challenging participants to make the workshop a turning point, transforming aspirations into concrete actions and ensuring that no one is left behind. The workshop has been made possible with financial support from the ILO.

Kabwata Baptist Church, in collaboration with Joni and Friends, has once again extended a helping hand to persons with disabilities by donating over 200 assistive devices to the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD). The donated items include wheelchairs, walking sticks, crutches, and other essential mobility accessories aimed at enhancing independence and improving the quality of life for beneficiaries across the country. ZAPD expresses sincere gratitude for this continued partnership, which plays a vital role in promoting inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Zambia.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba, has reiterated the government’s commitment to building a resilient, productive, and inclusive economy. Speaking at the opening of the first Annual Disability Awareness Conference, themed “Decent Work and Inclusive Employment,” Ms. Tambatamba emphasized that inclusive employment is not a gesture but a necessity for national growth and social cohesion. She highlighted that it is the government’s shared vision for Zambia to become a prosperous middle-income nation by 2030, where decent work and inclusive employment are realities for all citizens, including persons with disabilities. The Minister stated that her ministry is committed to ensuring that labor market policies, systems, and services are responsive to the needs of all Zambians, especially those who are often marginalized. She cited key legal provisions such as Sections 5 and 6 of the Employment Code Act of 2019, the Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Mental Health Act of 2019, which safeguard the rights and protections of persons with disabilities. Ms. Tambatamba further noted that the conference theme aligns with government interventions such as the enhancement of the National Employment Policy and labor laws, promotion of productivity, expansion of social security inclusion, occupational health and safety, and improvements in the Labour Market Information System (LMIS). “Persons with disabilities are not merely beneficiaries of development efforts, they are drivers of national transformation,” she stated. She challenged delegates to generate actionable ideas, forge new partnerships, and renew efforts toward making inclusive employment a reality. Also speaking at the event, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Morris Moono, acknowledged the progress made towards inclusive employment. However, he emphasized that persons with disabilities still face systemic barriers to entering the labor market. These include inaccessible infrastructure, negative societal attitudes, lack of reasonable accommodation, and limited access to education and skills training. In a speech read on his behalf by Principal Social Welfare Officer Nosiku Mulambia, Mr. Moono said the government, through MCDSS, has taken deliberate steps to create an enabling environment for persons with disabilities and remains committed to ensuring their full participation in national development. International Labour Organization (ILO) Social Protection Manager for Zambia, Mr. Jie Yu Koh, also addressed the conference, affirming the ILO’s continued support for Zambia in its efforts to build an inclusive labor market that promotes dignity, equality, and decent work for all. “Inclusion is not charity; it is a human right,” said Mr. Koh. He urged participants to use the platform to reaffirm their commitment to leaving no one behind by ensuring policies are implemented effectively, rights are upheld, and inclusive employment becomes a reality for all Zambians, including persons with disabilities.

ZAPD in Northern Province joined the global community in commemorating International Albinism Awareness Day on 25th June, under the theme “Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives.” The event was held in Kasama District and was officiated by the District Commissioner. As part of the commemoration, various assistive items were distributed to persons with albinism, thanks to generous donations from the Sisters of Child Jesus and the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD). These included protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses. In addition, the Ministry of Health distributed approximately 1,296 bottles of sunscreen, directly benefiting over 108 individuals with albinism from across districts including Mporokoso, Mpulungu, Mungwi, Mbala, and Kasama. The occasion was marked by joy and gratitude, with attendees expressing appreciation for the government’s ongoing commitment to promoting the welfare and rights of persons with albinism.

Lusaka, Zambia – 18th June, 2025 — The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) is hosting a two-day capacity-building workshop for Disability Focal Point Persons (DFPPs), aimed at strengthening the implementation of the National Disability Mainstreaming Guidelines across public institutions. The workshop seeks to equip DFPPs with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively incorporate disability inclusion into institutional planning, budgeting, implementation, and reporting frameworks. It is part of a broader strategy to promote inclusive governance and ensure that disability considerations are integrated at all levels of public service delivery. Participants are receiving training on the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities, its Implementation Plan, and the National Disability Mainstreaming Guidelines. The training also focuses on enhancing institutional coordination on disability issues, fostering peer learning among focal point persons, and empowering them to serve as champions and accountability agents for disability inclusion. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants are expected to; 1. demonstrate improved technical knowledge and confidence in promoting disability inclusion; 2. Develop institution-specific action plans for mainstreaming disability in policies, budgets, and programs; 3. Strengthen collaboration and coordination mechanisms across sectors; 4. Contribute to improved readiness for disability-inclusive monitoring and reporting. This workshop is made possible with financial and technical support from the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) and the Government of the Republic of Zambia – United Nations Joint Programme on Social Protection (Phase II). Through initiatives like this, ZAPD continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Zambia.

June 19, 2025 – Northern Province, Zambia, -a high-level team from the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) visited Northern Province to engage with key stakeholders and local communities. Led by the Director General Mr. Frankson Musukwa, the team, also comprising the Director of Finance and Administration Twaambo Hatwiko and ZAPD’s Legal Counsel Chaponda Kuwani, began their visit with a courtesy call on the Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bernard Mpundu. The delegation also had a productive meeting with Paramount Chief Mwinelubemba, emphasizing collaboration with traditional leadership in advancing disability inclusion. One of the key highlights of the visit was a community meeting at Chitila Farm, where persons with disabilities raised land-related concerns. The Director General clarified that the land is held under a government title and remains the property of ZAPD. While permanent structures are not permitted, members were assured they could continue operating on the land. Plans for future revitalization of the farm were also hinted at, which was met with optimism and appreciation from the community. The visit concluded with a tour of the farm’s ongoing income-generating activities led by the Lubemba Association. The Director General commended their efforts, highlighting the importance of economic empowerment in creating inclusive livelihoods. ZAPD remains committed to promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities across Zambia, through partnerships, transparency, and sustainable development.

North Western Province has celebrated, “We Ring the Bell,” an annual event dedicated to promoting education for children with disabilities. This year’s theme, “Education Technology for Inclusive Education,” highlights the crucial role that technology plays in creating equal learning opportunities for all children. The event was graced by the Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Solwezi. Numerous special schools and special units from Solwezi participated enthusiastically in the celebration, which was supported by the Liliane Foundation through Cheshire Homes Zambia. The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) was also represented at the event, with Provincial Coordinator Mr. Moondoma Osco joining the festivities.

Lusaka, Zambia – Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) Minister, Doreen Mwamba, has called on all government ministries and agencies to integrate disability inclusion into all programming and budgeting processes. In a speech delivered on her behalf by MCDSS Permanent Secretary Angela Kawandami during the launch of the 2025 National Disability Policy and Disability Mainstreaming Guidelines, Ms. Mwamba emphasized that the event represents not only a call to action but also a national commitment and a shared vision for a Zambia where every citizen, regardless of ability has equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from all aspects of life. The Minister highlighted the persistent inequalities faced by persons with disabilities, including limited access to basic services, employment, infrastructure, and communication. She noted that these challenges continue to contribute to high poverty rates among persons with disabilities, an issue that demands urgent and sustained action. To this end, she stated that the Government is committed to moving beyond rhetoric into an era of implementation, accountability, and impact, with the newly launched policy and guidelines serving as key instruments in that transformation. “The guidelines provide a practical framework to dismantle the structural and attitudinal barriers that continue to marginalize persons with disabilities,” she said. “Their implementation will pave the way for tangible progress, enabling persons with disabilities to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s social, economic, cultural, and political development,” she added. Ms. Mwamba also expressed gratitude to cooperating partners, civil society, organizations for persons with disabilities, government ministries, and all stakeholders who contributed financial and technical support towards the development of the two documents, commending their unwavering commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. And UNDP Resident Representative, James Wakiaga, in a speech delivered by Assistant Resident Representative and Governance Advisor Gregory Saili, reaffirmed the United Nations Development Programme’s support for Zambia’s efforts to improve the welfare of persons with disabilities. He emphasized UNDP’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities have a voice in monitoring public resource allocation and expenditure. Meanwhile, Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities Board Chairperson, James Kapembwa, urged all stakeholders to come together to ensure the full implementation of the policy and guidelines. He called for their translation into budgeted actions, alignment with sectoral strategies, and the establishment of robust monitoring systems to keep disability inclusion central to national development. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability Inclusion and Rights also pledged its support, committing to advocate for increased budgetary allocations, capacity building, and legislative reforms necessary for the realization of the policy’s goals. Speaking on behalf of the Caucus, Lundazi Member of Parliament Brenda Nyirenda reiterated Parliament’s readiness to champion disability inclusion through legislative oversight and continued advocacy. And in his vote of thanks, Mr. Lackson Chipato, who spoke on behalf of persons with disabilities, appealed to Parliament to consider increasing the number of nominated Members of Parliament with disabilities from three to at least 10 under Bill 7 currently under discussion. He argued that the current proposal of 3 out of 45 nominated MPs is insufficient for meaningful representation. Mr. Chipato also extended appreciation to the government and stakeholders for developing the two key documents and affirmed the commitment of persons with disabilities to actively contribute to their implementation.