GOVERNMENT EXPANDS SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER, REACHES OVER 66,000 VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS IN NORTHERN PROVINCE

Reported by: The Agency Media
Date: 2nd March, 2025.
Kasama, Northern Province, Zambia.

The Zambian government has intensified its commitment to social protection by expanding financial support to vulnerable communities through the Drought Emergency Social Cash Transfer (ESCT) program. In Northern Province alone, the initiative has disbursed K159,484,800, benefiting 66,452 households impacted by severe drought and flooding.

The ESCT program, which runs from July 2024 to July 2025, is a strategic intervention aimed at mitigating the economic hardships brought about by climate-induced challenges. Northern Province, like many other regions in Zambia, has faced drought-related food insecurity alongside unexpected flooding in some districts, necessitating targeted financial relief.

Beyond emergency support, the government continues to run its regular Social Cash Transfer (SCT) program, which currently supports 144,572 households, including 10,814 households with persons living with disabilities. This initiative ensures steady financial assistance, allowing beneficiaries to plan, invest, and sustain their livelihoods.

Recognizing the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, the New Dawn Government has also reinforced the Keeping Girls in School (KGS) initiative. Under this program, each beneficiary girl receives K600 to support their education. The initiative, which assisted 8,780 girls in 2024, has now expanded to 12,000 girls, demonstrating the New Dawn Government’s continued investment in empowering young women through education.

Through these interventions, the government reaffirms its dedication to social welfare and economic resilience, ensuring that vulnerable populations have the necessary resources to withstand challenges. As Zambia navigates climate-induced adversities, these programs play a critical role in enhancing food security, promoting education, and fostering long-term community stability.

This is in a statement issued by Miss. Sandra Mulenga, Northern Province, Principal Public Relations Officer

The Agency.