Zambia’s delayed African Disability Protocol ratification worries John Chiti
By Derrick Sinjela
On the eve of Saturday, 13th June, 2026 International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) themed: “Proudly In My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones,” Albinism Foundation Chairperson John Chiti maintained optimism that in the not too distant future, Zambia will join other progressive countries by domesticating the African Disability Protocol (ADP).
Noting upcoming Thursday 13th August, 2026 Tripartite Elections, Mr. Chiti remained resolute that the next administration will build on the New Dawn United Party for National Development (UPND) resolve to ratify the African Disability Protocol.
Responding to a Kwilanzi Newspaper Zambia (KNZ) question, Chiti maintained high hopes that the existing window of hope will remain once the election fever is done away with and the Eighth (8th) Republican President is sworn.
“While we have had a good five years of advocacy, bearing fruit, Zambia’s election season is giving us a temporal three months break, but remain optimistic that the next Government will expedite the process of domesticating African Disability Protocol, which was ratified years in 2024,” noted Miti during a Friday, 12th June, 2026 Press Briefing at Cresta Golfview Hotel on Lusaka’s Great East Road.
The African Union (AU) African Disability Protocol. instrument, enforced in 2024 is targeted at removing discrimination, stigma, harmful practices, and systemic barriers in education, healthcare, employment, justice, and political participation.
While nations such as Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe have already domesticated the African Disability Protocol protocol, Zambia is yet to toe this progressive line.
Chiti recollected that the UPND Administration assured disability rights groups that domestication would be completed in the first quarter of 2026, following parliamentary discussions in 2025.
However, no visible progress has been made toward depositing the instrument with the African Union.
Chiti restated that domestication will signal vital political will, toward legally enforceable, ultimately aligning Zambia with continental standards to protect vulnerable citizens who currently face severe accessibility and employment barriers.
“I lament that the continued delay is deepening social exclusion for persons with disabilities,” noted Chiti.
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