No More Poor Roads: Zambia Makes Independent Experts Mandatory for All PPP Projects
The Ministry of Finance and National Planning has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in infrastructure development, unveiling detailed responses to frequently asked questions on Zambia’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
In a statement issued by Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane, Government acknowledged growing public interest and scrutiny over PPP projects, particularly in the road sector, and pledged to strengthen governance and oversight mechanisms.
Dr Musokotwane emphasised that PPPs remain a key development tool for mobilising private sector investment in public infrastructure, guided by the Public-Private Partnership Act No. 18 of 2023. The law replaced earlier legislation and introduced stricter requirements on project viability, affordability and value for money.
“Projects financed through the PPP framework are a public trust, and where failures occur, they must be addressed with transparency, technical rigour and corrective action,” he said.
The framework provides for private sector participation in the design, financing, construction and management of public infrastructure and services. It is supported by the PPP General Regulations of 2024, the PPP Administration of Fund Regulations of 2025 and comprehensive operational guidelines.
Government outlined that all PPP projects undergo rigorous technical and financial appraisals, including value-for-money assessments, to ensure long-term sustainability and socio-economic benefits. The institutional structure includes the PPP Council, Technical Committee, PPP Office and contracting authorities, all working to oversee project implementation.
Addressing recent concerns over infrastructure quality, particularly premature road failures, Dr Musokotwane acknowledged that such incidents are a “serious concern” and require decisive reforms rather than defensiveness.
He clarified that the issue lies not in a lack of engineering expertise but in governance gaps, including supervision, enforcement and independent verification.
To address this, Government has announced that independent technical consultants will now be mandatory in all PPP projects, marking a shift from previous practices where contracting authorities could directly supervise projects.
“This reform represents a move from minimum legal compliance to best-practice governance,” Dr Musokotwane said, adding that independent consultants will provide impartial verification of design, materials, construction quality and compliance from early project stages.
The Minister noted that contracts already include safeguards such as performance bonds, penalties, step-in rights and termination clauses to ensure accountability. Future projects will also feature enhanced transparency, with Government committing to publish more information on project structures, contracts and performance.
He further stressed that PPPs are not limited to large-scale projects, as the revised framework now supports small and medium-sized initiatives to accelerate local infrastructure development in line with decentralisation policies.
Government also reaffirmed that PPPs align with Zambia’s broader development agenda under the Eighth National Development Plan, contributing to economic transformation, job creation and improved service delivery.
While rejecting claims that PPP projects are inherently flawed, Dr Musokotwane acknowledged public concerns and welcomed scrutiny from stakeholders, including the Engineering Institution of Zambia and the media.
“Stakeholder concerns are not obstacles but catalysts for stronger institutions that protect public value,” he said.
The Ministry reiterated that Zambia remains open to PPP investments, noting that strengthened oversight and predictable regulatory frameworks will improve investor confidence and project bankability.
Citizens, investors and stakeholders have been encouraged to access official PPP documents, including legislation, guidelines and policy frameworks, through the Ministry’s website.
The Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that every investment whether public or private delivers durable, high-quality infrastructure that supports national development and stands the test of time.
