More than 20,000 vulnerable Zambians have been added to the Social Cash Transfer Programme in Muchinga province this year, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 110,000.

Speaking during the event to mark the expansion of the programme and the monitoring of the implementation in Mpika, the Permanent Secretary Rev. Mathews Chilekwa revealed that the caseload had increased by 20,144 beneficiaries, describing the growth as historic and evidence of Government’s commitment to protecting the poorest and most vulnerable members of society.

“In Mpika District alone, we now have 14,244 beneficiaries who are receiving this vital support, this means that 110,000 households now have a sense of hope”, the Permanent Secretary said.

The PS stressed that the Social Cash Transfer Programme represents more than a line item in the national budget, characterising it as “living proof that the New Dawn Government under the leadership of His Execellence the President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema listens to its people, acts on its commitments, and delivers for the citizens of Zambia.”

He identified the elderly, children, persons with disabilities, and families facing extreme hardship as the primary beneficiaries of the expanded programme.

“Social protection is not an afterthought in our national planning,” the Permanent Secretary emphasised. “It is central to our national development agenda. Under this Government, it has been elevated from a simple safety net to a national pillar for poverty reduction and sustainable economic inclusion.”

PS Chilekwa attributed the successful scale-up to strong political will from the highest office in the land, firm budgetary commitment prioritising citizens, enhanced administrative efficiency in districts, and a deep sense of accountability to the people served.

“When a grandmother in a remote village receives her transfer, we see the immediate impact: A child eats a nutritious meal. A child can afford to go to school. A child can access basic health care,” he said.

Government has increased domestic financing for the programme, strengthened monitoring and evaluation systems, embraced digital payments to enhance transparency, and ensured no district is left behind, according to the Permanent Secretary.

However, he cautioned that the expansion brings added responsibility, calling for unwavering accountability in implementation, timely payments, zero tolerance for corruption, and fair and transparent targeting of beneficiaries.

“We call upon our respected traditional leaders, our dedicated district authorities, and our community structures to partner with us to protect the integrity of this programme,” he said. “Because when the Social Cash Transfer succeeds, our entire province succeeds.”

The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the milestone while emphasising that further progress remains necessary.

“Adding over 20,000 new beneficiaries to our caseload is a significant milestone,” he said. “But let us be clear: a milestone is not the end of the journey; it is a marker of progress and a reminder of the responsibility that lies ahead.”

He concluded by describing the programme as a transfer of trust symbolising a Government and a President that cares, acts, and delivers on promises.