The Zambia Devolution Support Program (ZDSP) is a World Bank-funded initiative launched in 2023 to strengthen local authorities in Zambia through improved financing, institutional performance, and accountability. It provides capital grants, supports public financial management, and builds capacity for local governance to implement the country’s decentralization agenda. The program aims to improve service delivery, such as public health and community sports, with full rollout of additional devolved functions expected by 2025 and program completion by 2028.

Key components
Capital Grants: Local authorities can receive grants for capital projects, such as infrastructure development like markets, feeder roads, and public toilets.
Public Financial Management: The program strengthens financial management, transparency, and accountability within local authorities.
Capacity Building: It provides technical assistance and capacity building to help local authorities with tasks like planning, procurement, and service delivery.
Fiscal Framework: The program works to improve the fiscal framework for devolution, ensuring local authorities have the necessary financial structures to function effectively.
Devolved Functions: It supports the transfer of key government functions to local authorities, including public health, veterinary services, and community sports. Other areas like agriculture and social services are expected to be devolved by 2025.
Eligibility and requirements
Minimum Staffing: Councils must have essential staff in place, including a Council Secretary, Finance Officer, Procurement Officer, and Planning or Engineering Officer.
Financial Audits: A council must have submitted its annual financial statement for the previous year for audit by March 31st of the current year.
Audit Opinion: There must be no adverse or disclaimer audit opinion from the previous audit.
Procurement Committee: The council’s Procurement Committee must have reviewed contracts prior to their award in the previous financial year.
Goals and impact
Strengthen Decentralization: The primary goal is to accelerate Zambia’s decentralization agenda by empowering local governments.
Improve Service Delivery: By strengthening local capacity and financing, the program aims to improve the quality and efficiency of services provided to citizens.
Enhance Governance: It seeks to create a more conducive environment for local governance, promoting participatory planning and transparency.