Zambia Leads Digital Push with Offline Payment Solution for Social Cash Transfers
The initiative, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and Zamtel, is being piloted in Chisamba District to reach families in underserved areas.
Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati has unveiled an Offline Payment Solution for the Social Cash Transfer Program, marking a major step toward digital financial inclusion in Zambia. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and Zamtel, is being piloted in Chisamba District to reach families in underserved areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mutati said the project goes beyond technology. “This is not just about technology—it’s about people, dignity, and inclusion,” he noted, stressing that the solution will ensure beneficiaries receive support with ease and reliability, even in areas with poor or no network coverage.
Zamtel CEO Jason Mwanza explained that the innovation was designed to address real-world challenges, enabling offline agents to deliver funds directly to beneficiaries. “Access to financial services remains a challenge for many Zambians living in remote areas where mobile networks may be poor or nonexistent. This solution bridges that gap,” he said.
Minister of Community Development and Social Services Doreen Mwamba praised the rollout as a critical milestone in fighting poverty, adding that it demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring every citizen has access to digital financial services.
The pilot project is expected to transform the delivery of social cash transfers, providing a lifeline to thousands of families in remote communities and reinforcing Zambia’s push toward a more inclusive digital economy.
