UK Pledges Emergency Support to Shield Zambia’s Vulnerable from Food and Fuel Shocks
The United Kingdom has pledged to support Zambia with emergency social protection interventions in response to potential global economic shocks linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, as concerns grow over possible food and fuel insecurity.
British High Commissioner to Zambia, Ms Rebecca Terzeon, made the commitment during a breakfast meeting with Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms Doreen Mwamba, in Lusaka.
Ms Terzeon commended Zambia’s social protection framework, describing it as “world-class” and effective in responding to the needs of vulnerable populations.
She highlighted the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme, which currently supports over 1.5 million households nationwide, as a key pillar of the country’s social safety net.
She said the UK Government is encouraged by the Zambian Government’s implementation of social protection programmes and stands ready to provide additional support if global developments trigger economic pressures that affect vulnerable communities.
Ms Terzeon further noted that the UK would not hesitate to step in with emergency assistance to help cushion households against anticipated food and fuel crises stemming from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
In response, Ms Mwamba assured the High Commissioner that the Government is technically prepared to efficiently deploy any support received to protect poor and vulnerable households from socio-economic shocks.
She also expressed appreciation for the UK’s continued partnership, describing the British Government as an “all-weather friend” supporting Zambia’s broader socio-economic development agenda.
