Local government in Zambia has received a boost to its planning work - a function that is an integral part of the country’s Decentralisation Policy - with the unveiling of the Integrated Development Guidelines.

Principal strategic instrument

Launched at the end of January 2019 by Zambia’s Minister of Local Government, Hon Vincent Mwale, the Integrated Development Guidelines represent a principal strategic planning instrument. They provide an overall framework for development within local government: guiding and informing planning, budgeting, management and decision-making by all local government sectors. The guidelines place a greater emphasis on the integration of socio-economic and spatial planning. 

Target resources to greatest needs

In his key note address, Hon Minister Vincent Mwale expressed appreciation to development partners: DFID, the EU and GIZ and project partners CLGF and LGAZ, for continued support to his Ministry. He said: “I encourage all actors to work together to meet the needs of the people, and ensure that resources are targeted in areas of greatest need;  and that inefficiencies and duplications are eliminated through these integrated development plans.”

CLGF project

Supporting the implementation of the guidelines is a direct output of a CLGF project -Enhancing local government capacities for development. The project is being delivered in partnership with the Local Government Association of Zambia and the Ministry of Local Government, with funding from the European Union Delegation to Zambia and DFID. It will support ten local authorities in the Copperbelt, Northern and Lusaka Provinces to develop and implement the guidelines, as well as promote local economic development. 

SDG principles

Congratulating CLGF member organisations LGAZ and the Ministry of Local Government for achieving this important milestone towards the implementation of the Zambia Decentralisation Policy, the Zambia Seventh National Development plan and the eventual goal of localising the Sustainable Development Goals, CLGF Regional Programme Manager, Ms Nyasha Simbanegavi said: “It is very important for local authorities to be guided by the principles underpinning the SDGs as they embark on integrated development planning, namely: leaving no one behind; multi-stakeholder partnership; accountability and taking an integrated approach to development planning.”