For years, Zambia's local authorities have faced challenges that prevented quality service delivery:

• Chronic resource constraints with councils lacking funding to meet responsibilities
• Institutional capacity gaps in personnel, systems, and processes
• Unbalanced territorial development favoring urban centers
• Accountability and transparency deficits undermining public trust

Main Goal: Strengthen the financing, institutional performance, and accountability of Town Councils in Zambia.

• Enhance local service delivery with adequate financial resources
• Strengthen institutional performance in financial management and procurement
• Promote transparency and accountability through oversight mechanisms
• Create predictable fiscal transfers for local development
• Foster equitable development across Zambia

• Town Councils: All 96 eligible councils receive capital grants and capacity building
• Local Communities: Improved services, infrastructure, and participation in governance
• Local Businesses: Better infrastructure and opportunities from council projects
• Council Staff: Professional development and enhanced effectiveness
• Vulnerable Groups: Special attention to women, youth, and marginalized groups

Infrastructure Development

• Roads, bridges, and drainage systems
• Markets and bus stations
• Public buildings and community halls
• Water supply and sanitation facilities

Public Facilities

• Community centers and conference halls
• Recreation facilities and parks
• Waste management infrastructure
• Street lighting and public safety

Economic Development

• SME support facilities
• Agricultural processing facilities
• Tourism infrastructure
• ICT systems

Minimum Conditions for Basic Capital Grants:

1. Financial Reporting: Submit Annual Financial Statements by March 31st
2. Clean Audit: No adverse audit opinion or disclaimer
3. Essential Staffing: Council Secretary, Finance Officer, Procurement Officer, Planning/Engineering Officer in place
4. Procurement Compliance: Procurement Committee reviews all contracts prior to award

• From Dependency to Self-Determination: Councils make their own decisions based on local priorities
• From Resource Scarcity to Adequate Funding: Predictable capital grants enable meaningful projects
• From Weak Systems to Strong Governance: Robust financial management and transparent processes
• From Opacity to Transparency: Public disclosure of budgets, reports, and performance
• From Exclusion to Participation: Active citizen engagement in local development

Primary Implementing Agencies:

• Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD)
• Ministry of Finance and National Planning (MoFNP)
• Decentralization Secretariat
• Office of the Auditor General
• Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA)

Capacity Building Partners:

• Chalimbana Local Government Training Institute
• German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)
• United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
• Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ)

At the Council Level:

• All 96 town councils accessing capital grants
• Strong performance scores on Annual Performance Assessment
• Transparent and accountable resource use
• Quality delivery of capital projects meeting community needs

At the Community Level:

• Visible improvements in infrastructure and facilities
• Better access to roads, water, markets, community spaces
• Increased citizen participation in local governance
• Economic opportunities through improved infrastructure