Vice-President Mutale Nalumango has reaffirmed the Zambian government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its citizens, particularly the poor and vulnerable, through increased investment in social protection programmes. Speaking at the opening of a three-day regional conference on poverty reduction and climate resilience in Lusaka, Nalumango emphasized that the New Dawn administration remains steadfast in its mission to reduce poverty levels across the country.
The Vice-President noted that a significant portion of the national budget has been allocated to social protection initiatives, reflecting the government’s prioritization of inclusive development. She called on experts attending the conference to support the government’s efforts by helping shape effective policies that directly address the root causes of poverty.
“If poverty levels are high, you [experts] are there to help us develop the policies that can help us reduce poverty,” she said.
The regional conference, which has drawn participants from across Southern and Eastern Africa, includes policy-makers, development partners, civil society organisations, private sector representatives, and international experts. It aims to generate actionable solutions that advance social justice and climate resilience in the region.
Nalumango made it clear that the government is focused on practical outcomes from the conference. “At the end of this conference, I want to hear solutions, not just resolutions,” she urged. Her remarks underscore the need for impactful strategies that go beyond dialogue and are rooted in implementation and measurable change.
The Vice-President acknowledged that poverty remains a persistent challenge in Zambia and across the broader region. Despite years of development financing and policy reform, a large portion of the population continues to live in extreme poverty. In Zambia, it is estimated that around 60 percent of the population survives on less than two dollars a day.
She highlighted the interconnected nature of poverty and climate change, noting that communities most affected by poverty are also the most vulnerable to environmental shocks such as droughts, floods, and land degradation. Strengthening climate resilience, she explained, must go hand in hand with social protection and poverty alleviation efforts.
The conference offers a platform for regional cooperation and shared learning, with participants expected to explore best practices, innovative financing models, and sustainable development strategies. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event aims to generate a collective roadmap for inclusive growth and environmental sustainability.
As Zambia continues to prioritize social protection in its national development agenda, Vice-President Nalumango’s message was clear: reducing poverty is not only a moral imperative but also a foundation for long-term peace, equity, and prosperity. The government hopes that through collaborative action, the region can move beyond policy rhetoric and deliver real change for millions living in poverty.