AAAZ Calls for Transparency in World Bank-Supported Reforms, Commends 24-Hour Economy Initiative and Youth Mentorship Drive
Lusaka, Zambia – 20th March 2026 –The Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia (AAAZ) has noted the media statement issued by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, as shared on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Information and Media on Sunday, 15th March 2026, announcing that the World Bank, through the International Development Association (IDA), has approved US$45 million in Development Policy Operation financing to support Zambia’s macroeconomic reform programme. According to the statement, the support forms part of the Second Zambia Climate and Economic Resilience Development Policy Financing programme, designed to strengthen fiscal management, promote private sector investment, and enhance resilience to climate and economic shocks.
The Ministry’s statement highlights that the programme supports policy and institutional reforms across key sectors, including strengthening fiscal governance, improving transparency in mineral revenue management, enhancing oversight of State-Owned Enterprises, and reinforcing regulatory frameworks in sectors such as water and sanitation. The programme also seeks to strengthen disaster preparedness systems and social protection mechanisms, including the development of a National Social Registry. AAAZ acknowledges that these reforms present an important opportunity to strengthen Zambia’s economic governance and institutional accountability. Development Policy Operations are intended to provide budget support linked to policy reforms, enabling governments to implement measures that improve public financial management, strengthen economic resilience, and promote sustainable growth.
However, AAAZ is calling on Government to ensure that public institutions responsible for implementing these reforms operate with the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Strengthening monitoring mechanisms, improving institutional oversight, and ensuring responsible management of public resources will be essential in ensuring that these reforms translate into tangible improvements in service delivery, economic stability, and livelihoods for the people of Zambia. AAAZ further emphasizes that citizen participation and public oversight remain central to effective fiscal governance. In the context of Zambia’s broader economic reform programme and ongoing engagement with international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund under the Extended Credit Facility programme, strengthening transparency in budget processes and improving public access to information on public finances will be critical to rebuilding public trust and ensuring sustainable economic recovery.
Through its ongoing work, AAAZ continues to promote citizen engagement in budget and governance processes, including monitoring government commitments, facilitating civic education on public finance and accountability, and organizing dialogue platforms that encourage citizen participation in policy discussions. These initiatives aim to strengthen transparency, empower citizens with information, and enhance accountability in the management of public resources.
AAAZ also notes and commends Government for the recent Cabinet decision, as communicated through a press statement, to extend business and operating hours towards a 24-hour economy covering business houses, markets, and bus stations. The organization recognizes that this move has strong potential to stimulate economic growth, particularly by expanding opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and young people engaged in entrepreneurship. Increased operating hours can enhance productivity, support income generation, and unlock new opportunities for youth-led businesses. However, AAAZ emphasizes that the success of this initiative will depend on the strengthening of security measures, particularly for businesses, workers, and consumers operating during extended hours. It is critical that Government ensures the availability of adequate policing, safe public spaces, reliable transportation, and consistent energy supply to support a functional 24-hour economy. Strengthening regulatory oversight and institutional coordination will be essential to ensure that the transition is safe, inclusive, and beneficial to all citizens.
Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema recently emphasized the importance of expanding internship and mentorship opportunities for young people during the National Youth Indaba, a platform designed to bring together young people, government, and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting youth development and participation in national progress.
AAAZ welcomes this call and commends the initiative, while encouraging that it be implemented effectively, particularly as there remain notable gaps that must be addressed to ensure that young people across the country benefit meaningfully from such opportunities.
As an organization committed to strengthening democratic participation, AAAZ is aligning itself with this vision by offering technical capacity-building support for young people aspiring to participate in parliamentary processes in the upcoming elections. The initiative aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and practical understanding necessary to engage meaningfully in governance and public leadership.
AAAZ further emphasizes that youth participation must go beyond token representation. Young people should not merely be included symbolically, but should instead be empowered to participate in ways that influence policy, strengthen accountability, and drive meaningful change. In this regard, AAAZ remains ready and available to collaborate with Government by providing technical support and capacity-building initiatives that will help prepare young aspiring leaders to participate effectively in Zambia’s democratic processes.
Read By:
Melbourne Mushitu
Communications Officer
Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia (AAAZ)
Issued by: AAAZ Communications
www.aaazambia.org
+260 957 090515
