The Zambia Devolution Support Program (ZDSP) is a World Bank–funded initiative launched in 2023 to strengthen Zambia’s decentralization agenda by improving the performance, financing, and accountability of local authorities. Running through 2028, the program supports councils as they take on newly devolved government functions, with full rollout of additional functions expected by 2025.

Key Components

• Capital Grants: Provides local authorities with grants for infrastructure projects such as markets, feeder roads, bus stations, and public toilets.
• Public Financial Management: Enhances transparency, accountability, and financial controls in councils.
• Capacity Building: Offers training and technical support in planning, procurement, service delivery, and administrative systems.
• Fiscal Framework Strengthening: Improves the financial structures needed for effective decentralization.
• Support for Devolved Functions: Assists councils in managing functions such as public health, veterinary services, waste management, and community sports, with more functions (e.g., agriculture and social services) expected by 2025.