Devolution
Rights, functions and powers move from central government or a State institution to a subnational authority, or a central service is brought to the local level.
Decentralisation overview
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Understanding Decentralisation
Learn what decentralisation means in Zambia, how powers and resources can move closer to communities, and which principles should guide the process.
This is national policy information for public understanding. It is broader than the areas currently included in TI-Z's monitoring dashboard.
Plain-language definition
Moving responsibility, authority and resources closer to people
In the national policy, decentralisation means transferring responsibilities, authority, functions, power and appropriate resources to provincial, district and sub-district levels. The aim is citizen-driven local governance, better access to services and sustainable local development within Zambia's unitary State.
Three mechanisms
Not every transfer works in the same way
Deconcentration
Functions and resources move to lower units of the same administration, while decision-making authority remains at the centre.
Delegation
A lower office is authorised to perform functions on behalf of a higher authority, while some decisions still require consultation.
National direction, local administration and community structures
National Government
Sets national policy and law, regulates devolved functions and carries out exclusive national responsibilities.
Provincial Administration
Acts as an extension of national government and coordinates policies and programmes in the province.
Local Authorities
Democratically elected councils and their secretariats administer districts, oversee programmes and projects, make by-laws and manage assigned local functions.
Ward and community structures
Ward Development Committees provide a platform for citizens to identify priorities, participate in local development and connect community projects to district plans.
Citizen-driven local governance
Citizen-driven local governance within a unitary State for sustainable development.
The Constitution recognises national and local government levels. Decentralisation does not divide Zambia into separate states; it allocates powers and services within one unitary system.
How implementation should be judged
Good governance
Democratic, effective and coherent institutions, citizen participation, and transparent and accountable use of public resources.
Equity
Fair distribution and use of national resources so substructures can carry out their mandates.
Subsidiarity
Decisions and functions should be performed at the lowest feasible level, with cooperation across government.
Constitutional jurisdiction
Each level of government should respect the exclusive and concurrent functions assigned to it.
Co-operative governance
Powers, functions and resources should be decentralised in a coordinated and cooperative way.
Sustainable local development
Local social and economic development should consider current and future environmental conditions, including climate impacts.
Inclusiveness
Participation, affirmative action, non-discrimination and cross-cutting issues should shape local programmes and services.
Key milestones in Zambia's decentralisation framework
First national policy
Zambia adopted its first National Decentralisation Policy.
Policy revision
The policy was revised to strengthen district development, citizen participation and the role of traditional leaders.
African Charter
Zambia signed the African Charter on decentralisation, local governance and local development.
Constitutional foundation
The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 entrenched a devolved system of governance.
Local structures
The Local Government Act established Ward Development Committees as a platform for community participation.
Current policy and plan
Government issued the revised National Decentralisation Policy and its 2023-2027 Implementation Plan.