Mansa, Luapula Province – The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to disability inclusion and economic empowerment following a high-level engagement with the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD). The meeting, held earlier today, saw a ZAPD delegation pay a courtesy call on Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Prudence Chinama Kangwa, as part of the Agency’s ongoing 10-day working visit to the province.
The delegation, led by ZAPD Director General Frankson Musukwa, is in Luapula to assess a herd of 112 cattle managed by the Agency at its Chipili District farm. The visit also aims to explore sustainable marketing options for selected livestock as part of a broader strategy to strengthen disability-focused programs through productive asset management.
In his remarks, Mr. Musukwa expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for championing disability rights through inclusive leadership.
“As the first deaf person to serve as Director General, I am a testament to the potential of persons with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said. “It is time we fully actualize our participation in decision-making structures across all provinces and constituencies.”
Permanent Secretary Kangwa assured the delegation of Government’s continued support, emphasizing that Luapula Province remains committed to facilitating ZAPD’s operations in line with national policy.
“We are guided by the President’s vision of inclusion, equity, and opportunity for all,” she said. “Persons with disabilities are not less capable—they are differently abled. With the right support and environment, they can play a significant role in building a prosperous Zambia.”
While acknowledging ZAPD’s intention to sell some of the livestock, Mrs. Kangwa encouraged the Agency to prioritize herd expansion over disposal, noting Luapula’s potential as an emerging agricultural hub.
In response, Mr. Musukwa clarified that only surplus bulls are earmarked for sale, in line with expert advice aimed at preventing inbreeding and maintaining herd health.
Mr. Lavu Jere, Acting Principal Stock Verifier at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning and a member of the ZAPD Disposal Committee, reaffirmed this approach. He stated that a technical team has been constituted to conduct a thorough assessment and recommend the most appropriate disposal strategy based on sound livestock management practices.
The visit underscores the Government’s broader commitment to integrating persons with disabilities into mainstream economic activities and promoting inclusive development across all regions.