Zambia Launches 2025 National Disability Policy and Mainstreaming Guidelines to Champion Inclusion
The Government of Zambia has officially launched the 2025 National Policy on Persons with Disabilities and Mainstreaming Guidelines, reinforcing its commitment to protect, empower, and promote the rights of persons with disabilities through a comprehensive, inclusive approach to development.
The launch event was officiated by Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba, whose speech was delivered on her behalf by Ministry Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami.
The Minister emphasized that the new policy seeks to address systemic inequalities that continue to limit access to education, healthcare, employment, and infrastructure for persons with disabilities.
“Mainstreaming disability is not an event but a continuous journey,” said Ms. Mwamba. “This journey requires dismantling structural and attitudinal barriers and building systems where all Zambians can thrive—regardless of ability.”
She urged government ministries, agencies, civil society, the private sector, and communities to ensure that disability inclusion is embedded in planning, budgeting, and daily practice. The guidelines provide a practical framework for integrating disability inclusion across the social, economic, political, and cultural spectrum.
According to the 2015 National Disability Survey, an estimated 7.7% of Zambia’s population are persons with disabilities—individuals whose potential often goes unrealized due to entrenched societal obstacles. The new policy is expected to serve as a turning point in addressing these inequities.
At the same event, UNDP Resident Representative Mr. James Wakiaga, in a speech read by Assistant Governance Representative Mr. Gregory Saili, reaffirmed the UN’s support for disability-inclusive development.
He said, “UNDP stands ready to work with the Government of Zambia to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring no one is left behind.”
Mr. James Kapembwa, Board Chairperson of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), commended the government for taking a decisive step in institutionalizing disability rights.
He said the policy would empower persons with disabilities and pave the way for meaningful inclusion.
Ms. Brenda Nyirenda, Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Disability Caucus, advocated for stronger political participation by persons with disabilities, urging more parliamentary representation to amplify their voices.
