Government has revised the 2026 phase two cash-for-work programme guidelines.
This is in an effort to ensure beneficiaries are screened using a new system developed by Smart Zambia Institute.
Cash for Work Focal Point Person for Lavushimanda District in Muchinga Province, Felix Mwale, said the Smart Zambia Cash for Work application will also ensure that people who are on other government programmes such as Social Cash Transfer are not included.
Mr Mwale was speaking in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) after a stakeholder meeting held at Mununga United Church of Zambia (UCZ).
Mr Mwale explained that the system will be able to detect beneficiaries who were already benefiting from other government programmes.
“We will be using a system developed by Smart Zambia to screen eligible beneficiaries,” he said.
He added that the revised programme aims to ensure inclusivity of women, youths and persons living with disabilities.
Mr Mwale has since urged Ward Development Committees (WDCs), Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACs), and Satellite Disaster Management Committees (SDMCs) to adhere to programme guidelines when identifying potential beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, Lavushimanda Town Council Secretary Jonas Mwendakawa said the programme was more than just a short-term intervention.
He explained that the programme served as a bridge connecting vulnerable households to income while contributing to community development projects.
“By bringing together government representatives, development partners, civil society and community leaders, we ensure that the programme is not only effective but also inclusive and responsive to the needs of the people it serves,” he said.
Mr Mwendakawa further revealed that 12 data clerks had been trained and deployed to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme.
And Lavushimanda District Commissioner Terries Kunda said that the programme had been expanded to cover all districts in the country.
Mr Kunda explained that Government revised and expanded the programme to enhance coverage and sustainability in the country.
“The programme has been expanded to all 116 districts, ensuring that no community is left behind,” he said.
He added that over 1.5 million vulnerable citizens countrywide were expected to directly benefit from the 2026 R-RCW programme.
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