The Zambia Devolution Support Program (ZDSP) is a World Bank-funded initiative launched in 2023 to strengthen local authorities in Zambia through improved financing, institutional performance, and accountability. It provides capital grants, supports public financial management, and builds capacity for local governance to implement the country’s decentralization agenda. The program aims to improve service delivery, such as public health and community sports, with full rollout of additional devolved functions expected by 2025 and program completion by 2028.

Key components of the program include;

• Capital Grants to Local Authorities for capital projects, such as infrastructure development like markets, feeder roads, and public toilets.
• Public Financial Management: The program strengthens financial management, transparency, and accountability within local authorities.
• Capacity Building: It provides technical assistance and capacity building to help local authorities with tasks like planning, procurement, and service delivery.