Government has launched the Localised Fiscal Decentralisation Training Programme to strengthen local governance and improve service delivery. Acting Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Alfred Sakwiya, emphasised the country’s long standing commitment to decentralisation. The media reports that speaking during the launch, Mr Sakwiya highlighted Zambia’s history of decentralisation, noting that leaders have long desired to govern the country from its roots.
He expressed gratitude to the Hague Academy for Local Governance and GIZ for their support in developing the programme. Mr Sakwiya Indicated that the programme is tailored to the Zambian context and focuses on building practical competences in fiscal decentralisation and local public financial management. He emphasised that the initiative aligns with the government ‘s commitment to decentralisation.
Mr Sakwiya has since urged participants to approach the training with commitment and openness, stating that the knowledge gained must translate into tangible improvements in governance and service delivery. He also directed that the baseline data must be collected in order to measure the programme’s effectiveness and impact. Mr Sakwiya expressed confidence that the programme would improve mobilisation of resource revenues by local authorities, enhance prudent financial management, and strengthen collaboration between central and local government.
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Speaking at the same event, Good Financial Governance (GFG) Programme representative, James Kema, expressed pleasure in being part of the official launch of the Localised Fiscal Decentralisation and Local Public Financial Management Training Course. Mr Kema said the launch is the first specialised training course on fiscal decentralisation and local Public Financial Management to be offered in the country. “Through this course different actors at all levels with a role to play fiscal decentralisation will have an opportunity to learn about the state of art in the field, ” he said.
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