Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 26th April, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has reassured the public that Zambia’s regular Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme remains fully operational, following the scheduled conclusion of the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) initiative at the end of April 2024.
In a statement issued today, the Ministry clarified recent media reports suggesting that the broader Social Cash Transfer programme was ending. Officials emphasized that only the ECT — a temporary, one-year response to the severe drought impacts of the 2023/2024 farming season — is concluding as planned.
Launched to cushion the most vulnerable households during one of the country’s worst droughts, the Emergency Cash Transfer Programme provided vital financial support to over 2.2 million Zambians. This included 1.3 million beneficiaries already enrolled in the regular SCT, alongside an additional 952,570 drought-affected individuals brought under the emergency framework.
The Ministry underscored that the end of the ECT will not disrupt the ongoing SCT or other core social protection programmes, such as the Food Security Pack (FSP) and various empowerment initiatives, all of which continue to be central to the government’s efforts to safeguard vulnerable populations.
“We urge all beneficiaries and the general public not to panic. The government remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting citizens from socioeconomic shocks,” the Ministry stated, reiterating its focus on strengthening safety nets in light of ongoing challenges.
The government’s social protection agenda, bolstered under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, continues to prioritize building resilience among communities facing economic hardship, particularly those affected by natural disasters.
The Agency.
I would like to thank the government and Upnd under the leadership of president Hakainde Hichilema for the initiative which has worked according to the plan helping the affected household for ECT Which
Come to an end this month end of April.