Zambia Launches Updated Social Support Guidelines for Vulnerable Families
The Zambian Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, has launched revised Social Cash Transfer (SCT) and Public Welfare Assistance Scheme (PWAS) guidelines, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba, described the launch as a renewal of the Government’s promise that no vulnerable household will be left behind across Zambia’s 116 districts.
She highlighted the SCT programme as a flagship initiative that improves household welfare, boosts school attendance, enhances food security, builds household assets, and restores dignity through predictable income support.
Ms. Mwamba also emphasised the role of PWAS, Zambia’s emergency welfare lifeline dating back to the 1950s, which supports the elderly, persons with disabilities, the chronically ill, destitute households, and those affected by crises.
The revised guidelines include strengthened targeting and enrolment processes, enhanced payment systems with robust safeguards, a greater focus on secure digital payments, improved nutrition-sensitive and shock-responsive support, and stronger monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
“The revised SCT and PWAS guidelines are a strategic investment in people, human capital, and national development, not an act of charity,” Ms. Mwamba said.
Representatives from key development partners commended the Government’s initiative. World Bank Representative, Ms. Nadia Salim, noted that the Bank has invested approximately US$800 million in Zambia’s social protection programmes over the past decade.
UNICEF Country Deputy Representative, Mr. Henri Heikura, praised the adoption of digital payment systems for improving efficiency, transparency, and financial inclusion.
Ms. Nicola Oldham, Head of Human Development at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, welcomed the incorporation of indexation to ensure transfers retain value amid rising food prices.
