Gov’t Commends European Union for Support to Civil Society in Zambia
The Zambian Government has praised the European Union (EU) for its significant investment in and support to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) across the country.
Speaking in Mansa District, Luapula Province Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary Evans Sikabbubba expressed government’s appreciation for the EU’s collaboration with organisations such as People in Need (PIN), the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), SNV, and the Zambia NGO WASH Forum.
He said strengthening the capacities of these organisations was essential and reaffirmed government’s openness to partnerships that promote inclusive implementation of development programmes.
Mr Sikabbubba welcomed the EU Delegation to Zambia and COMESA during a courtesy call, thanking them for their ongoing support and encouraging deeper engagement in Luapula Province. He also highlighted the positive impact of the Equal Chances for Human Development (EC4HD) programme, which is being implemented in Luapula and North-Western provinces, covering early childhood education, youth engagement and skills development.
“Working together is essential to strengthen and improve service delivery. Only through shared insights can we determine whether we are on the right path,” Mr Sikabbubba said, adding that the EC4HD programme was already benefiting five districts in Luapula Province.
Ms Njira Mtonga, Programme Manager for Governance and Social Sectors at the EU Delegation to Zambia and COMESA, said the EU works in partnership with the Zambian Government, CSOs, and the private sector.
She noted that, in addition to CSO support, the EU had resumed Budget Support to government, which will help fund key projects such as the completion of boarding secondary schools, including Pambashe Boarding Secondary School in Kawambwa District.
Ms Mtonga explained that the EU’s “360-degree partnership approach” includes field missions to engage directly with communities and partners. During the visit, the EU was joined by four partners—PIN, JCTR, SNV, and the Zambia NGO WASH Forum—who have been awarded grants to strengthen CSO capacities in different sectors.
She emphasised the critical role of CSOs in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aligning their work with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP). “Civil society is a vital stakeholder in realising the SDGs. The EU is extremely grateful for the opportunity to work hand in hand with our partners to improve the welfare of the Zambian people,” she said.
Mr Rajesh Rai, Head of Programmes at PIN, revealed that the organisation has been implementing a civil society and inclusive governance project since June 2024. Ms Evelyn Chilufya, also from PIN, explained that EU funding was helping to build the internal capacities of 40 CSOs working in Lusaka, Luapula, Western, North-Western and Southern Provinces.
Ms Chilufya added that the three-year initiative, running until May 2027, was designed to ensure CSOs complement government efforts in service delivery and strengthen collaboration with traditional leaders, the private sector and the media.
