Development Aid from People, DAPP in Zambia, was founded in 1986 as a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation. DAPP Zambia creates development together with the people through running community-based and people-centred projects. 

We do this by generating conducive spaces for communities to own and participate in projects by bringing people together to find community-centred solutions to their challenges.

Our projects harness people's power to work for their sustainable development, to create positive change individually and collectively while building resilience and capacities. This includes improving livelihood, lifelong learning, health and human rights for all.

Working in all 10 Provinces of Zambia, DAPP Zambia reaches over 1.1 million people as we share knowledge, skills and tools to enable people and their families to face and overcome poverty, illiteracy and disease with diligence. We believe that when people work together, they are better able to support one another and take collective action to solve problems that they cannot handle individually.

DAPP believes that quality education for all and the promotion of learning for life are fundamental for the people and communities to be in control of their own development; hence we work with children, youths and women in developing vocational, entrepreneurial and literacy training.

Our activities are cost-effective, provide the best value for money in terms of outcomes and impact, and are aligned with the Government of the Republic of Zambia’s National Development Plan and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mission: To create development in communities together with the people by sharing necessary skills, knowledge and tools to fight poverty, illiteracy and disease.

Vision; seeing a Zambia where people live equitably, free from poverty and injustice, with access to health and education in a nation that protects, and  sustains its natural resources. 

We are a member of the Federation Humana People to People, an international development organisation comprising a network of 29 members united by the shared values, aspirations, and visions in development.

Working with communities, we address the most pressing social, economic, environmental, and humanitarian challenges in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Our key focus areas include health, education, sustainable agriculture and environmental practices, community development, and the sustainable reuse and circularity of textiles.

Throughout our history, we have engaged with local communities by listening to their needs, learning from their experiences, and incorporating their perspectives into our programmes. This collaborative approach strengthens our development strategies and responses to emerging, complex challenges. We value the process of mutual growth, as it strengthens our ability to tackle these dynamic issues effectively.

In the process, we build local capacity and agency, prioritising sustainability.

We align our development work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and national and continental development strategies.

The activities of the Humana People to People movement are aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda.  HPP continues to stand together with member organisations in our joint efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, creating lasting positive change in the process.

Our work is possible through partnerships between DAPP Zambia, the Zambian Government, private companies, local and internal development organisations, foundations, customers in our DAPP shops, volunteers and active members of our projects. The people benefitting and DAPP are deeply grateful for funds committed and the spirit of contributing to development in Zambia.

Our work is possible through partnerships between DAPP Zambia, the Zambian Government, private companies, local and internal development organisations, foundations, customers in our DAPP shops, volunteers and active members of our projects. The people benefitting and DAPP are deeply grateful for funds committed and the spirit of contributing to development in Zambia.

2024 main funding partners

1. Government of the Republic of Zambia
2. US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)
3. US Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention
4. United States Embassy
5. US Department of Defense 
6. Tetra Tech 
7. Stop TB Partnership
8. Kindernothife
9. Hoffnungszeichen/ Sign of Hope
10. The Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberclosis and Malaria
11. Churches Health Association of Zambia
12. World Food Program
13. CIDRZ
14. Humana People to People members in various countries 
15. Van Doorn

Private Partnership

1. Stanbic Bank
2. ZCCM Investment Holding
3. Vision Find Zambia
4. Good Nature Agro
5. Mt. Meru Oils

DAPP Zambia is very grateful to all the partners for their commitment and drive to make our communities the best places to live in.
“Keeping together is progress. Working together is success" Henry Ford