Canada commits to supporting Zambia’s decentralisation policy

The Canadian government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Zambia, pledging financial and technical support for the implementation of the Decentralisation Policy.

Cory Van Gaal, Head of Office at the Canadian High Commission, noted that decentralisation efforts in Zambia have significantly reduced vulnerabilities, particularly among women and youth, by increasing empowerment opportunities in communities.

Van Gaal made the remarks during a courtesy call on Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gary Nkombo on Thursday in Lusaka.

She was accompanied by a visiting Canadian delegation, including Kathy Valentino, President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Mary Heather White, Project Director for the Partnership for Municipalities Innovation, and Denys Volkov, Executive Director of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities.

“My government has observed with gratitude that Zambia is inspiring other countries in implementing the Decentralisation Policy, empowering citizens to determine their own development priorities,” Van Gaal stated.

She commended Zambia’s democratic governance, emphasizing its role as a foundation for peace and human rights.

Kathy Valentino also pledged her organization’s support in strengthening the capacities of Zambian local authorities to improve social services such as infrastructure and sanitation.

She highlighted the partnership with the Local Government Association of Zambia to promote economic growth using expertise from Canadian municipalities.

In response, Minister Nkombo expressed Zambian government’s gratitude for the support from Canada and other partners, emphasizing the government’s focus on improving access to education, healthcare, and empowerment opportunities through the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and social protection programs.

“The government believes equipping citizens with adequate skills and expertise is vital for driving socio-economic transformation,” Nkombo stated.

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