Government has disclosed that support under the Welfare Component of the Food Security Pack Programme has increased significantly, with 120,000 households benefiting in 2026 compared to 40,000 households in 2025.
Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary Angela Kawandami also disclosed, 200,000 beneficiaries have received support under the programme’s productive welfare component to improve household food security and agricultural productivity.
Ms Kawandami made the remarks during the official launch of the 2026 Zambia Social Protection Week in Lusaka today.
She reiterated governments committed to ensuring that social protection services are delivered in a manner that safeguards human dignity and promotes social and economic security for vulnerable populations.
Ms Kawandami highlighted several achievements recorded following the launch of the revised National Social Protection Policy in 2025, citing the expansion of the Social Cash Transfer Programme from 1.3 million to over 1.55 million beneficiaries, coupled with increased transfer values to help vulnerable households meet their basic needs and withstand economic shocks.
She also noted that the Supporting Women’s Livelihoods Programme has benefited more than 171,000 women through productivity grants, enabling them to engage in income-generating activities and improve the welfare of their families.
Speaking at the same event, Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary, Zechariah Luhanga said social protection is a critical pillar to reducing poverty and promoting inclusive development.
Mr Luhanga called on stakeholders to take advantage of the social protection week to renew their commitment to social protection for social inclusivity.
And International Labour Organisation (ILO), Social Protection Programme Manager, Finn Koh said Zambia has made progress in social protection, citing the expansion of the Social Cash Transfer Programme from 1.3 million to over 1.55 million beneficiaries as remarkable.
