Briefing Paper - Legal and Policy Constraints to Decentralization in Zambia

In line with international best practice for enhancing the quality, cost effectiveness, responsiveness and spatial provision of public goods and services, the Government of Zambia has, as a matter of expressed policy, accepted devolution as one of the central elements in good governance. However, despite this longstanding commitment to decentralisation, local authorities remain constrained in their capacity to deliver services to the communities they serve.

Zambia has undertaken several legal and policy reforms to enhance decentralisation since attaining political independence in 1964. A commitment to decentralisation and popular participation has been an important component of local governance reform strategies and the critical objective of these reforms has been to strength local authorities by decentralising power and Local Government Association of Zambia

This briefing paper presents findings of a study undertaken by the Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) on Legal and Policy Constraints to Decentralisation. The study reviewed legal and policy documents, undertook Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) and conducted key informant interviews in Central, Copperbelt, Eastern and Lusaka provinces during the period June – July 2022.