1.6 Million Zambian Households to Benefit from $207.6 Million Grant
The World Bank has approved a $207.6 million grant as part of the second additional financing for the Scaling-Up Shock Responsive Social Protection Project in Zambia.
This announcement was confirmed in a letter to Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane from World Bank Executive Director for Africa Group 1 Constituency, Dr. Floribert Ngaruko.
The grant, comprising $200 million from the International Development Association (IDA) and $7.6 million from the Zambia Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood (GEWEL) Multi-Donor Trust Fund, aims to aid the government in responding to drought impacts.
The funds will enable an increase in transfer value to current social cash transfer beneficiaries and recruit additional beneficiaries in drought-affected districts.
Dr. Ngaruko highlighted the Board of Executive Directors’ approval of the grant on July 1, 2024, emphasising its objective to protect consumption among poor and vulnerable households in Zambia.
The emergency assistance will support over 1.6 million households across 84 drought-impacted districts for 12 months, including 904,635 current beneficiaries and 726,361 new households.
Expressing gratitude, Dr. Musokotwane stated, “The Zambian Government applauds the World Bank for its support in these challenging times. The funds will enhance our Social Cash Transfer Programme to address the severe drought and cholera outbreak, declared a national disaster and emergency.”
The grant will bolster Zambia’s social protection programmes and mitigate the adverse effects of the drought. It signifies the World Bank’s confidence in Zambia’s economic reforms and public financial governance.
This support follows the IMF Executive Board’s approval of the third assessment of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme, which included a $569.6 million disbursement.
Dr. Musokotwane also acknowledged local and international partners for their assistance in the drought crisis, highlighting grain deficiency mitigation measures and collaborative efforts to overcome current challenges and position Zambia as a regional food supplier in the medium term.
FILE PHOTO (April, 2024) – Dr MUSOKOTWANE (left) & Dr NGURUKO (right) at the World Bank Africa Group 1 Constituency Office, World Bank HQ, Washington DC, USA.
