Zambia Reaffirms Global Commitment to Fighting Hunger and Poverty
Zambia has reaffirmed its dedication to international cooperation in the fight against hunger and poverty, calling for global partnerships that are firmly aligned with national priorities and community needs.
Speaking during the Global Alliance Leaders Meeting on the sidelines of the Second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar, Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms Doreen Mwamba, praised the Global Alliance for convening the high-level dialogue under the theme: “Reinventing International Cooperation for Fighting Hunger and Poverty to Put Country Programmes at the Centre.”
Ms Mwamba said the theme was both timely and forward-looking, noting that lasting poverty reduction must be driven by empowered communities, inclusive national systems, and collaborative support that enables people to live with dignity and security.
The Minister highlighted Zambia’s milestones in strengthening social protection programmes, particularly the Social Cash Transfer, which now reaches more than 35 percent of the national population and 66 percent of poor households. She said the initiative has contributed significantly to reducing extreme poverty and improving food security across vulnerable communities.
She further outlined the Government’s adoption of a “Cash-Plus” model, which couples cash transfers with complementary services in nutrition, skills training, education, and climate resilience. This integrated approach, she said, supports long-term income generation and self-reliance.
Ms Mwamba emphasised Zambia’s continued investment in youth empowerment programmes and economic opportunities for women, describing them as critical pathways to sustainable development and household resilience.
However, she acknowledged ongoing challenges, including limited fiscal space, debt pressures, and climate-related shocks that continue to affect rural livelihoods and food security.
The Minister called for stronger, inclusive and predictable international cooperation that recognises country priorities as the centre of development planning.
“Zambia supports the call to put country programmes at the centre of international cooperation,” she said. “When global partnerships align to national strategies, progress accelerates and communities become more resilient.”
Ms Mwamba reaffirmed Zambia’s readiness to continue working closely with the Global Alliance and international partners to build a future free from hunger and poverty, where every child, woman and man can live in dignity, opportunity and hope.
