irector General Concludes Tour of Chipangali District
26th February, 2026, Chipangali District, Eastern Province – ZAPD Director General Mr. Frankson Musukwa has concluded a successful tour of Chipangali District, reinforcing government efforts to localize national disability policies and accelerate inclusive rural infrastructure development.
The visit, which featured a formal courtesy call on the District Administrative Officer, focused on strengthening the integration of Persons with Disabilities into the district’s expanding economic landscape. It also highlighted significant legislative milestones achieved under the New Dawn Adminstration.
He pointed to the increase of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to K40 million in 2026 as a transformative opportunity to remove systemic barriers that have historically excluded persons with disabilities from mainstream development at the local level.
The Director General commended President Hichilema for what he described as visionary and progressive leadership in advancing disability rights.
He noted that the Presidential Assent to Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025 has significantly reshaped Zambia’s governance framework by guaranteeing reserved seats in Parliament and local government for Persons with Disabilities.
He further highlighted Cabinet’s approval of the 2025 National Disability Policy and the National Disability Mainstreaming Guidelines as critical instruments ensuring that persons with disabilities are no longer passive beneficiaries of development, but active participants and decision-makers in shaping the nation’s future.
The tour also included a field visit to beneficiaries of national social protection programmes.
The DG interacted with persons with disabilities who have regained mobility and independence through high-quality wheelchairs donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He expressed profound satisfaction at witnessing the life-changing impact of the assistive devices, noting that such partnerships complement government’s commitment to inclusive development and the principle of leaving no one behind.
Reassuring beneficiaries, the Director General reiterated that government remains steadfast in expanding access to mobility aids and strengthening social safety nets for persons with disabilities across the country, regardless of geographical location.
As part of efforts to advance economic empowerment, the DG also reviewed progress made by disability-led cooperatives that have accessed CDF grants for income-generating projects.
He commended the entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated in Chipangali, observing that the cooperatives are contributing meaningfully to improved livelihoods and greater self-reliance among persons with disabilities.
Concluding the tour, the Director General reaffirmed government’s continued prioritization of the disability sector through targeted empowerment programmes and the enforcement of inclusive infrastructure standards.
He expressed confidence that Chipangali District is emerging as a model of inclusive development one where every citizen can live with dignity and actively contribute to Zambia’s national prosperity.