The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) has welcomed the passage of Constitution Amendment Bill 7, describing it as a historic milestone that will enhance the inclusion of persons with disabilities in national governance.
ZAPD Director General, Frankson Musukwa says the amendment addresses decades of exclusion by providing for five reserved seats for persons with disabilities in the National Assembly, thereby strengthening participation, self-representation and visibility in Parliament.
In an interview with the media, Mr Musukwa noted that for more than sixty years, persons with disabilities had no direct representation in national decision-making, adding that Bill 7 demonstrates the Government’s commitment to inclusive governance and the redress of historical marginalisation.
He has since commended President Hakainde Hichilema and Parliamentarians for championing reforms that promote equality and non-discrimination, citing continued appointments of persons with disabilities to public leadership positions since 2021 as evidence of this commitment.
Mr Musukwa has also praised disability advocates, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and cooperating partners for sustained advocacy that contributed to the passage of the amendment.
Reviewing progress made in 2025, the ZAPD Director General indicated that persons with disabilities have recorded notable gains through increased Government engagement and policy reforms, including the launch of the Disability Mainstreaming Guidelines and Cabinet approval of the National Disability Policy.
He added that structured consultations between Government and OPDs have helped inform reforms in employment, education and social inclusion, while improvements have also been recorded in public service employment and access to higher education loans and scholarships for students with disabilities.
Mr Musukwa further said persons with disabilities have benefited from economic empowerment opportunities through the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which are supporting entrepreneurship and livelihoods.
He however noted that challenges remain, particularly in access to inclusive public infrastructure, transport, employment in the private sector and essential services, especially in rural areas, adding that stigma and negative societal attitudes continue to hinder full inclusion.
“Despite these gains, challenges remain in access to inclusive public infrastructure, transport, employment, especially in the private sector and essential services, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas,” he added.
Mr Musukwa emphasises that the success of Bill 7 will depend on effective implementation, adequate resources, strong coordination and sustained engagement with OPDs, and has called on all stakeholders to work together towards building an inclusive Zambia where persons with disabilities are equal contributors to national development.
