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Lufwanyama District is celebrating a milestone in accessibility and inclusion following the distribution of three pedal carts (tricycles) to children with disabilities. The tricycles, collected from the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) in Ndola, were officially handed over by the Lufwanyama Council Chairperson. The donation was made possible through the generosity of Mr. Augustine Kasongo, former Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, who fulfilled a pledge he made during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) in 2024. The impact has already been felt by families in the community. One mother, whose child now attends the newly opened special school, shared her gratitude: “This tricycle has taken a huge burden off my shoulders. I’m so grateful for the kind gesture that made this possible.” Prior to receiving the tricycle, she had been carrying her child on her back to school daily. The gesture underscores the importance of inclusive development and access to mobility for all. The community extends its heartfelt thanks to Mr. Kasongo for his continued support and commitment to uplifting lives. #AccessibilityMatters #Inclusion #ZAPD #Lufwanyama

Smiles, gratitude, and hope! Persons with disabilities in Chipata District, Eastern Province, are celebrating the life-changing support from Government and cooperating partners — a true testament that no one should be left behind. In heartfelt interviews, beneficiaries expressed joy and appreciation for inclusive empowerment programs like the Social Cash Transfer, Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and support from the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC). Many of them are using the funds to invest in businesses such as agriculture, general supply, and other income-generating activities — proving that given the right support, disability does not mean inability. This timely support comes under the Government-UN Joint Social Protection Programme Phase II (GRZ-UNJPSP-II), bringing to life the vision of the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012 — which promotes equal opportunities and access to social protection for persons with disabilities. It also echoes Zambia’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which calls for social protection measures that empower persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life. “We feel seen. We feel valued. And above all, we feel hopeful,” shared one of the beneficiaries. Indeed, when inclusion meets action — lives change and communities thrive.

Happy International Women’s Day! Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. Thank you for your unwavering courage, brilliance, and the love and support you bring to the world. Let’s continue to uplift, empower, and inspire each other every day. Here’s to the incredible women shaping our future!

The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) has launched a four-year communication strategy, marking a significant step forward in advancing its mission to promote the rights, inclusion, and well-being of persons with disabilities across Zambia. This document goes beyond communication; it reflects our commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability, has a voice, a platform, and access to the information they need to thrive. Special thanks to Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Lewis Mwape, ILO Country Director for Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi Mr. Wellington Chibebe, and the Director General of ZAPD Mr. Frankson Musukwa, alongside other dignitaries that graced the event in Chipata at Protea Hotel. Some key take home points from the Launch of our Communication Strategy and New website. The key instruments developed by ZAPD with technical and financial support from ILO other than the communication strategy include the new website, online registry of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and the online Research Repository. The registry gives access to a comprehensive digital directory of OPDs across Zambia, which is organised by area of focus, geographical location, making it easier for institutions, donors and stakeholders to connect with relevant organisations. The Research Repository on the website will play a vital role in strengthening collaboration between Research institutions, academia and disability organisations. The Launch marks a significant milestone towards the commitment to create a society where every individual is not only heard but understood. The strategy will create an environment where no one is left behind and where persons with disabilities can easily access resources and information they need to engage meaningfully in society. the milestone is a call to focus on implementation of policies, creating decent opportunities that are accessible to all. a call was made to ensure fair employment practices for providing comprehensive Social Protection programs that meet the diverse needs of persons with disabilities. ILO stated that they stand ready to support government in ensuring that persons with disabilities fully participate in all aspects of decision-making and societal progress. Stakeholders urged to continue working together to provide resources and expertise needed to ensure that PWDs are not just included but empowered.

The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities is excited to announce that the Cabinet has officially approved the National Disability Policy on February 11, 2025. This milestone represents a major advancement in the fight for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in Zambia. The approval underscores President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration’s strong commitment to advancing the disability agenda through a comprehensive National Disability Policy. The newly approved policy focuses on addressing the specific needs of persons with disabilities, ensuring their equal participation in key areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and social services. It also aims to eliminate discrimination and enhance accessibility in all aspects of life. The Agency remains dedicated to coordinating and regulating services for persons with disabilities. We believe this policy will play a crucial role in promoting inclusive development and social justice for all individuals with disabilities in Zambia. We express our sincere gratitude to His Excellency President Hichilema for his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities. The Agency looks forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this important policy.

ZAPD Inspectors held an engagement meeting with management at East Park Mall to discuss possible ways of curbing the abuse of parking spaces reserved for Persons with disabilities at the shopping center. Findings after an inspection revealed that parking spaces reserved for Persons with disabilities are being abused mostly out of ignorance by motorists and security officers manning the car parks. In the meeting with management and security officers, ZAPD Director Inspectorate Bornface Tumba sensitized the team on issues of accessibility and the importance of the reserved parking lots to persons with disabilities. Mr. Tumba further referred to Cabinet Circular No. 30 which gives specifics required for making public infrastructure accessible. The Persons with Disabilities Act No. ^ of 2012 criminalizes the use of parking spaces designated for persons with disabilities by persons without disabilities. Section 45 (3) provides that a person who, not being entitled to park in a parking place designates or demarcated for parking vehicles used by persons with disabilities, parks a motor vehicle in a place reserved for the exclusive use of a Person with a disability, commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or both.”

A team from the and Social Services in collaboration with the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities, is conducting a five-day workshop in Livingstone to validate the draft children and adults functional assessment tools. The team is also drafting the road map for the National Disability survey earmarked for 2025. Speaking in his opening remarks, ZAPD Director General Frankson Musukwa emphasized the urgent need for the Agency to register persons with disabilities across the country, and issue them with disability certificates, which is a prerequisite in accessing various social protection services provided by government. Mr. Musukwa was however quick to caution against fraud in the process of certifying persons with disabilities. On the plan to develop the road map for the National Disability Survey, the Director General said it is only with a well maintained data Base that persons with disabilities can fully benefit from the services provided by government and various stakeholders. The workshop is made possible with financial support from the United Nations Children’s Fund.

ZAPD Northern Province Office will be operating from the District Commissioners’ Block until further notice, to pave way for renovations. Through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the office is set to undergo a transformative facelift, to be renovated and extended to include a state-of-the-art conference hall, a self-contained office for the provincial coordinator and modern ablution facilities. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve our facilities. For any inquiries or information, please contact; Provincial Coordinator Jane Nkonde: 0977380413 Assistant Coordinator Madam Veronica Kaluba 0975887107