PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
New York, 3rd February 2026 – Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging coordinated financing and inclusive digital infrastructure as key drivers for equitable social development. This position was highlighted at a high-level panel held on the margins of the 64th Session of the UN Commission for Social Development on 2nd February 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters.
Speaking at an event themed on coordinated financing and digital systems, Ms. Angela Kawandami, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services underscored how program-based budgeting and medium-term frameworks have created more predictable social protection funding and strengthened links to health and education programmes.
On digital transformation, the Permanent Secretary noted that Zambia’s digital payment systems have increased efficiency and coverage in social protection.
Ms. Kawandami also underscored that systems must be interoperable and inclusive, requiring investment in data quality and outreach to avoid excluding vulnerable groups.
The panel concluded that financing and digital systems work best when aligned, enabling life-cycle approaches to inequality. Strong governance, including parliamentary oversight and civil society engagement, was also deemed vital for transparency and public trust.
The event provided a platform for Zambia to share its models and learn from other countries. It demonstrated that aligned financing, digital systems, and governance make social development more coherent and equitable, turning global commitments into tangible results.
Issued by:
Namatama Njekwa
First Secretary for Press and Public Relations
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations
