The Zambia Devolution Support Program (ZDSP) is a USD-funded hybrid Program designed to support the Government’s Decentralization Agenda by strengthening the financial and institutional capacities of local authorities in Zambia.

Objective

The program provides additional performance grants to eligible Local Authorities over a period of five years. This increased financial support requires strengthened capacity and accountability systems to ensure effective utilisation of resources.

Program Focus Areas

• Policy reforms aimed at achieving socio-economic transformation through intergovernmental transfers
• Financing arrangements for devolved functions aligned with international best practice
• Promoting sound financial management, accountability, and transparency in local authorities

Conditions for Qualification

The minimum requirements for councils to access ZDSP funds include:

• Submission of Annual Financial Statements for the previous year for audit by March 31st of the current year
• No adverse audit opinion or disclaimer from the previous audit
• Availability of essential staff: Council Secretary, Finance Officer, Procurement Officer, and Planning Officer/Engineer
• The Council’s Procurement Committee must have reviewed all contracts awarded in the previous financial year prior to their award

Luangwa Town Council Status

Luangwa District qualified for the Zambia Devolution Support Programme for 2023–2024, earning Luangwa Town Council a K2.6 million allocation disbursed in October 2025.

The Council is actively engaging communities to select projects to be implemented under the programme, ensuring that initiatives reflect local priorities and needs.