Lusaka, 16 January 2025 – Members of Zambia’s Local Government Accounts Committee (CLGA) convened today for a capacity enhancement workshop at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka. The workshop, centered on the Auditor General’s Report for the financial year ending December 2023, highlights the nation’s commitment to strengthening accountability and public financial management.
The Chairperson of the CLGA, Mr. Misheck Nyambose, MP, and Mr. Stephen Kawimbe the Deputy Clerk (Procedure) of the National Assembly delivered opening and welcoming remarks, emphasizing the importance of fiscal oversight and collaboration to address challenges in local governance.
“Workshops like these are vital for equipping Members of Parliament with the tools needed to scrutinize public accounts effectively,” stated Mr. Nyambose. “The recurring issues in the Auditor General’s Report underscore the need for systematic solutions to safeguard public resources and enhance service delivery.”
The event, supported by the European Union under the National Assembly of Zambia Project Phase II, brings together resource persons from key institutions, including the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, the Office of the Auditor General, and the Zambia Public Procurement Authority. These experts will unpack the report, providing insights into its findings and guiding the Committee’s deliberations.
Both speakers emphasized the critical role of fiscal decentralization under Zambia’s revised National Decentralisation Policy. “Efficient utilization of public funds at the grassroots level is crucial,” noted the Deputy Clerk. “Strengthening revenue mobilization within local authorities can relieve pressure on the central government and fund other vital areas of national development.”
The workshop also serves as a preparatory step for the Committee’s engagements with witnesses, ensuring effective follow-up on audit outcomes. Members were encouraged to leverage the expertise of the Parliamentary Budget Office and other resource persons to address the persistent challenges highlighted in the Auditor General’s Report.
In addition to local stakeholders, the European Union’s financial and technical support has been pivotal in organizing this workshop. The Deputy Clerk expressed gratitude to the EU, noting its contributions toward enhancing parliamentary oversight capacity through the project, which is set to conclude in April 2025.
As the workshop progresses, participants aim to develop actionable recommendations to tackle systematic weaknesses in financial management, ensuring that public resources deliver measurable value for the Zambian people.
