Lusaka, Government has officially launched the 2026 Revised Cash for Work (R-CFW) Programme, expanding its coverage to all 116 districts and targeting over 1.5 million beneficiaries countrywide, as part of continued efforts to cushion vulnerable communities from economic and climate related shocks.
Speaking during the launch held at the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gift Sialubalo, MP, said the Revised Cash for Work Programme builds on lessons learnt from Phase I and demonstrates Governmentโs commitment to inclusive growth and social protection.
Hon. Sialubalo noted that the Cash for Work Programme was initially introduced in response to the severe drought experienced during the 2023/2024 farming season, which led to the declaration of the drought as a National Disaster and Emergency by President Hakainde Hichilema on 29th February 2024. The programme complemented other Government interventions such as food relief, low-cost food distribution and the expansion of the Social Cash Transfer Programme.
The Minister explained that while Phase I of the programme ran from August 2024 to June 2025, Cabinet, at its 24th Meeting held on 8th December 2025, approved the Revised Cash for Work Programme to strengthen implementation, enhance transparency and broaden impact.
โThe expansion from 87 to 116 districts ensures that no part of Zambia is left behind. The Revised Cash for Work Programme is expected to benefit 1,548,277 people over a six-month period, subject to availability of funds,โ Hon. Sialubalo said.
He highlighted key improvements in the revised programme, including enhanced targeting and verification systems, improved payment mechanisms, strengthened grievance redress systems, and a more robust scope of works that focuses on climate resilient and skills enhancing public works. The programme will also move away from low impact activities and instead prioritise works that contribute to environmental sustainability and long-term community development.
The Minister further disclosed that beneficiary selection will be community driven, supported by digital verification tools and integrated national social protection systems to eliminate duplication and promote accountability.
Hon. Sialubalo called on all Local Authorities, particularly those in Luapula, Muchinga and Northern Provinces, which were not part of Phase I, to fully embrace the programme and ensure effective implementation for the benefit of local communities.
โAs Government, we remain committed to creating jobs, strengthening local economies and transforming lives, especially in rural areas,โ the Minister said as he officially declared the Revised Cash for Work Programme launched
