Local Government in Zambia: Difference between revisions
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| url = [https://www.mlgrd.gov.zm Ministry website] | | url = [https://www.mlgrd.gov.zm Ministry website] | ||
| leader_title = Minister of Local Government | | leader_title = [[Minister of Local Government & Rural Development]] | ||
| main_body = [[Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development]] | | main_body = [[Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development]] | ||
| headquarters = Lusaka, Zambia | | headquarters = Lusaka, Zambia | ||
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| court = [[Judiciary of Zambia]] | | court = [[Judiciary of Zambia]] | ||
| chief_justice = [[Mumba Malila]] | | chief_justice = [[Mumba Malila]] | ||
| seat = | | seat = [[Lusaka]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
Latest revision as of 12:00, 2 September 2025
 Coat of arms of Zambia | |
| Formation | Established by Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019 |
|---|---|
| Administrative divisions | 10 Provinces subdivided into districts |
| Country | Zambia |
| Headquarters | Lusaka, Zambia |
| Website | Ministry website |
| Leader | Minister of Local Government & Rural Development |
| Main body | Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development |
| Main organ | Local authorities |
| Departments | Provincial and district government departments |
| Legislature | National Assembly |
| Speaker | Nelly Mutti |
| Members | 156 elected MPs |
| Meeting place | National Assembly Building |
| Court | Judiciary of Zambia |
| Chief Justice | Mumba Malila |
| Seat | Lusaka |
Local Government in Zambia is the decentralized system of governance responsible for managing local affairs and delivering essential services across the country. Guided primarily by the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019 and the Constitution of Zambia, the system functions through city councils, municipal councils, and district councils.
Structure
Zambia is divided into ten provinces, which are further subdivided into districts. These districts are governed by local councils, which are the primary units of administration. The system currently comprises four city councils, fifteen municipal councils, and eighty-four district councils. Each council serves as the immediate government for communities, focusing on local service delivery and grassroots development.
Legal Framework
Local government is established and regulated under the Constitution of Zambia and the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019. These legal instruments empower councils to operate as autonomous authorities with responsibility for decentralization, service delivery, and local economic development.
Powers and Functions
Local authorities have over sixty legally mandated functions. These include road maintenance, urban and rural planning, sanitation and waste management, health services, regulation of local markets and bus stations, community development, and environmental conservation. Councils also facilitate public participation through elected ward councillors, ensuring that citizens have a voice in governance at the grassroots level.
Governance and Administration
Each council is composed of elected councillors representing the wards in their jurisdiction. Councillors choose a mayor or council chairperson to provide political leadership, while professional staff such as town clerks or council secretaries manage day-to-day administration. The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development provides oversight, technical support, and coordination for councils nationwide.
Challenges and Reforms
Local government in Zambia continues to face challenges such as inadequate financial resources, weak infrastructure, and limited human capacity. Rural councils are often more disadvantaged compared to urban counterparts. To address these challenges, the government has embarked on reforms aimed at strengthening decentralization, improving financial accountability, and enhancing citizen participation. Special focus has also been given to involving women, youths, and other marginalized groups in local decision-making.
References
- Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Official Website
- Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019
- Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025
