Gov’t Disburses K1.2B in Social Cash Transfers to Over 1.3 Million Households
The Zambian government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS), has begun disbursing K1.2 billion in Social Cash Transfers (SCTs) to over 1.3 million vulnerable and poor households nationwide for the May–June 2025 payment cycle.
According to a statement issued by MCDSS Principal Public Relations Officer Glenda Nachinga, the disbursement is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to provide financial relief and promote inclusive development for the most disadvantaged communities.
Each household without a person with a disability will receive K800, while those with a person with a disability will receive K1,200.
The SCT programme targets households facing extreme poverty, including those with chronically ill individuals on palliative care, child-headed families, households led by women with three or more children under 18, elderly-headed households, and families with persons with disabilities. Beneficiaries are identified and enrolled based on rigorous poverty assessment criteria.
To improve efficiency and accountability, 78% of SCT recipients representing 994,041 households, are now being paid through digital platforms such as mobile money and bank transfers. This move has drastically reduced human interaction and enables real-time tracking of payments.
Beyond direct cash assistance, the Ministry is also focused on sustainable poverty reduction. It is linking beneficiaries to livelihood empowerment programmes that offer business training, entrepreneurship skills, and start-up grants particularly targeting women.
“The goal is to ensure that, alongside receiving essential support, households are empowered with tools and opportunities to lift themselves out of poverty,” Nachinga stated.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social protection systems and fostering inclusive, resilient livelihoods across the country.
