CSOs Make Recommendations for Draft National Social Protection Policy

CSO’s Consolidated input into the Draft 2023 NSPP

The Zambian Government has continued its commitment to reducing poverty and vulnerability among its population through provision of social protection mechanisms for the poor and vulnerable segments of population. In 2014, Government launched the National Social Protection Policy (NSPP) as part of the broader social policy interventions. The formulation of this National Social Protection Policy (NSPP) in 2014 was one of Government's commitments to ensuring that the role of social protection in pro-poor growth remains central and increases in systemic efficiency. In this regard, the Zambian government through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) is in the process of reviewing the 2014 National Social Protection Policy and has produced a Draft 2023 National Social Protection Policy which is under review and is expected to be finalized and presented to cabinet. 

Following this action of government, the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR), the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), the Consortium of the Rights of Older Persons (CROP), the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and the Southern African Social Protection Experts Network (SASPEN), in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Zambia Office held an open discussion meeting to discuss the draft 2023 National Social Protection Policy (NSPP) formulation process. This was done in order to consolidated CSO’s input into the Draft 2023 NSPP and make recommendations to MCDSS to strengthen the Draft 2023 NSPP. Through a Gap Analysis that was conducted, the CSOs were able to establish areas which need improvement and strengthening in the Draft 2023 NSPP and ensure that we have a comprehensive, inclusive and rights-based social protection policy in place in Zambia.