The Zambia Devolution Support Programme (ZDSP) is a government initiative aimed at strengthening local authorities in Zambia by improving governance, financial management, and institutional capacity. The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development recently conducted a sensitization meeting to provide guidance on eligibility for the Annual Basic Capital Grant of USD 200,000 and the subsequent Performance-Based Capital Grant of USD 500,000 under ZDSP.

The ZDSP, a USD 210 million hybrid programme, supports the Government’s decentralization agenda by reinforcing the financial and institutional capacities of local councils. To access the funds, councils are required to meet the following minimum conditions:

• Submit the previous year’s Annual Financial Statement for audit by March 31 of the current year.

• Have no adverse audit opinion or disclaimer from the previous audit.

• Ensure essential staff are in place, including a Council Secretary, Finance Officer, Procurement Officer, and Planning Officer/Engineer.

• Provide evidence that the Council’s Procurement Committee reviewed all contracts awarded in the previous financial year prior to their approval.

These requirements are intended to ensure that local authorities operate with transparency, accountability, and effective governance before receiving financial support