Top-up of K200 to 2.2 million beneficiaries under Drought Emergency Response will end April 2025, says minister Mwamba

The government has announced that the Drought Emergency Response Programme will end in April 2025, having largely achieved its objectives.

Community Development and Social Services Minister, Doreen Mwamba, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday.

The programme, which provided a K200 top-up to 2.2 million Social Cash Transfer (SCT) beneficiaries, was implemented under the Price Shock and Drought Emergency Response to support vulnerable households and small-scale farmers affected by the 2023/2024 farming season drought.

“Of the 2.2 million beneficiaries, 1.3 million were part of the regular Social Cash Transfer Programme, while 952,570 were included in the 12-month Price Shock and Drought Emergency Response initiative,” Mwamba stated.

She explained that with the intended relief successfully delivered, the government would phase out emergency interventions, with the K200 SCT top-up set to end in April.

Regular SCT payments will, however, continue for eligible beneficiaries, while those specifically under the drought emergency response will no longer receive support.

The Minister expressed gratitude to stakeholders and cooperating partners for their role in implementing the programme and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening social protection and economic empowerment.

She urged beneficiaries to explore other government initiatives aimed at fostering long-term resilience and sustainable development.

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