24/06/2026
LGAZ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHAMPIONS LOCAL GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AT UCLG WORLD CONGRESS
Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) Executive Director, Ms. Mpatanji Namumba, is participating in the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Congress currently underway in Tangier, Morocco, where she was invited as a speaker to share Zambia’s experiences and perspectives on decentralised cooperation, local governance and the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking during a high-level session on “Adapting to New Alliances in an Evolving Decentralised Cooperation Landscape,” Ms. Namumba observed that the global development cooperation environment is changing rapidly, requiring LGAs to reposition themselves as proactive and strategic partners in development. She noted that as traditional development assistance continues to decline, local government institutions must strengthen engagement with national governments, development banks, the private sector, philanthropic organisations and regional networks to remain relevant and responsive to emerging development priorities.
She emphasized that local government associations are not peripheral actors, but serve as a critical link between global commitments and local implementation, ensuring that development interventions translate into tangible benefits for communities.
Ms. Namumba also contributed to discussions on the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where she highlighted the indispensable role of local public services in reducing inequalities and improving the quality of life for citizens. She noted that the achievement of Agenda 2030 and other global commitments will ultimately be determined at the local level, where poverty, inequality and development challenges are most visible.
Drawing from Zambia’s experience, Ms. Namumba cited the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as a key instrument supporting fiscal decentralisation and enhancing local authorities’ capacity to deliver essential public services. She explained that the Fund has complemented locally generated revenues and enabled councils to respond more effectively to growing community needs in areas such as infrastructure development, water and sanitation, health, education and other critical services.
She further called for strengthened multilevel governance, greater fiscal autonomy for local authorities, evidence-based planning, and strategic partnerships that leverage innovation, technology and sustainable financing solutions to accelerate SDG implementation.
Ms. Namumba also highlighted the importance of measuring and documenting local contributions towards sustainable development. In this regard, she acknowledged the support recently provided by UCLG to LGAZ in undertaking the Voluntary Sub-National Review (VSR), an important process that assessed and showcased the contribution of Zambia’s local authorities towards the implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The UCLG World Congress continues to provide an important platform for local and regional governments to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and advance collective action towards building inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities.
United Cities and Local Governments
