Young Zambians demonstrated a powerful commitment to democracy and accountability in the election of 2021 with a strong voting turnout. Zambia has earned a reputation across Africa for carrying out orderly elections along with peaceful transfers of power. Between elections, however, Zambia faces challenges in day-to-day governance down to the local level. Effective participation by citizens is still a work in progress, awareness of rights and responsibilities is often weak, and elected officials may fail to be as responsive and accountable as required. American and European development assistance to Zambia focuses on helping Zambians become more informed citizens able to play a bigger role in choices that shape their communities. This demands a citizen-responsive approach from government service providers from the national to local levels. It also requires more transparency from government officials and accountability for public expenditures, the goals of major American programs in Zambia.
Building on the 2021 election’s mandate for change, the EU will support more inclusive participation in governance. “Strengthening active citizenship, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and youth but also other marginalised groups such as persons with disabilities and helping to create the pre-conditions for participation will be critical for this priority area,” the EU strategy states. “This will be done through enhancing access to information, community sensitisation and engagement with traditional leaders, as well as through supporting dialogue and unity.” Helping Zambians build skills in assessing development choices, engaging in constructive interactions with government, and overseeing service delivery is a major task, one that FDI has taken on since its origins. These skills are increasingly in demand as the Government of Zambia prepares to send more money to the local level for spending on priorities defined by communities. FDI is already working at the district level in Southern, Eastern and North Western provinces to build skills in community-led monitoring of service delivery.
Rapid Response: FDI has responded to the Government of Zambia’s strategy to dramatically expand the national allocation of constituency development funds for use in projects chosen by communities. Ward Development Committees (WDCs) in selected districts will need expanded technical assistance in planning, proposal development and monitoring to fulfill the Government’s vision of bringing development closer to the people through decentralized funding.