The Zambia Devolution Support Programme (ZDSP) is a government-led initiative, launched in 2023 with World Bank funding of over $210 million, designed to accelerate Zambia’s decentralization agenda. The program aims to strengthen the financial and institutional capacities of local authorities, enabling them to effectively deliver public services, promote local development, and enhance citizen participation in governance. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Key Objectives:
Strengthening Local Authority Capacity:
The ZDSP focuses on building the financial and institutional capacity of local authorities, ensuring they have the resources and skills to manage their responsibilities effectively.
Promoting Decentralization:
The program directly supports the Zambian government’s decentralization policy by transferring key functions like public health, veterinary services, and community sports to local councils.
Improving Service Delivery:
By enhancing the capabilities of local authorities, the ZDSP aims to improve the delivery of public services to citizens at the local level.
Enhancing Accountability and Transparency:

The program promotes accountability and transparency in local governance through performance-based financing and other mechanisms. 

Key Features:
World Bank Funding:

The ZDSP is supported by a $210 million credit facility from the World Bank. 

Performance-Based Financing:

Local authorities receive performance-based grants, incentivizing them to improve their service delivery and accountability. 

Transfer of Functions:

Key functions are being transferred from central government to local authorities, empowering them to manage local affairs. 

Focus on Specific Areas:

The program targets areas like policy reforms, financing arrangements for devolved functions, and promoting financial management and transparency in local authorities. 

Timeline:
The ZDSP is being implemented over a five-year period, with the full rollout of devolved functions expected by 2025 and completion by 2027.