Zambian institute, German agency partner to train 21,000 civil servants in financial management

All accountants and non-accounting officers managing finances in government institutions are set to undergo training and certification by the National Institute for Public Administration (NIPA).

The programme is expected to benefit 21,000 accountants across the country.

Speaking during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between NIPA and the German Agency for International Development (GIZ) in Lusaka, Acting Accountant General in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Emmy Chengunika, highlighted the importance of the initiative in enhancing service delivery within the civil service.

“There is a need for professional personnel to handle government finances, which underscores the importance of training accountants and non-accounting staff in the civil service,” Chengunika said.

She added that with the introduction of free education, funds were now being transferred directly from the treasury to school accounts, necessitating qualified personnel to manage these resources.

“Every school now receives its funds directly from the treasury, which requires skilled individuals to handle these resources efficiently,” she explained.

GIZ Team Leader for Fiscal Decentralization and Good Financial Governance, Terence Smith, stated that GIZ was committed to supporting the government through NIPA in achieving its goal of professionalizing public financial management.

“This is the beginning of many training programmes aimed at strengthening public service in Zambia,” Smith said.

Meanwhile, NIPA Registrar Nasilele Nasilele reiterated the institution’s dedication to upgrading the skills of civil servants across various professions.

“We are the only institution under the Office of the President, and we oversee all government ministries,” Nasilele stated.

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