Social Protection in Focus

Mukelebai says, dialogue brings together policymakers, partners, and beneficiaries to improve welfare programs.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24, (4 December 2025) — Zambia today launched its first-ever National Social Protection Dialogue, putting social protection squarely in focus as government officials, civil society, cooperating partners, and beneficiaries gather to address rising poverty and drought-related hardships.

Speaking on behalf of Vice President Mutale Nalumango, Minister of Community Development and Social Services Doreen Mwamba Sefuke said the dialogue is held under the theme, “Social Protection as a Human Right: Bridging Gaps for Financing for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.”

Mwamba explained that the dialogue provides a platform to build a stronger investment case for social protection financing, which is crucial for supporting vulnerable and marginalised communities.

She stressed that sustainable financing is key to expanding coverage and creating resilience among populations.

The minister highlighted the recently launched Revised National Social Protection Policy, which guides programmes aimed at improving the welfare and livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable. 

The policy adopts a life-cycle approach, addressing risks at different stages of life—from children and adolescents to adults and older persons. 

"Key programmes under this approach include child and old-age benefits, youth empowerment initiatives, healthcare fee waivers and insurance, disability benefits, and protection against work-related injuries."

While successive governments have implemented social protection programmes, Mwamba acknowledged that poverty and inequality remain entrenched, particularly in rural areas. 

She said the new government is committed to comprehensive programming that prevents anyone from falling into poverty. Legal measures such as the Children’s Code Act also safeguard citizens from exploitation and harmful situations.

Mwamba thanked the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) and its partners for convening the dialogue and urged all participants to actively contribute to discussions aimed at improving social protection delivery. 

She officially launched the 2025 National Social Protection Dialogue, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

CSPR Executive Director Isabel Mukelabai called for stronger and sustainable financing for social protection programmes. 

She described social protection as a fundamental human right and said the dialogue marks a pivotal moment for the sector.

Mukelabai noted that Zambia’s ongoing debt restructuring could create fiscal space for increased social support but stressed the need for a long-term financing strategy. 

She warned that severe drought, food insecurity, and rising living costs have deepened vulnerability, with poverty levels at 60 percent nationally and 78 percent in rural areas.

She called for predictable and inclusive programmes capable of withstanding climate shocks and economic instability. 

Mukelabai urged the dialogue to focus on closing financing gaps, improving coordination among institutions, and strengthening existing initiatives such as the Social Cash Transfer, Food Security Pack, and health insurance schemes. 

She emphasised that women, youth, and persons with disabilities must be central to policy design and implementation and that reforms should align with national economic policies.

Mukelabai also acknowledged contributions from cooperating partners including ZANACO, Zamtel, Save the Children, and the World Food Programme. 

She urged participants to focus on practical solutions that will strengthen Zambia’s social protection system for future generations.