In a bold step toward improving governance and fighting corruption, Zambia committed to implementing key reforms recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under a 38-month economic programme. But how far has the country come?
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z), with support from the Chandler Foundation, recently conducted a rapid assessment to find out. The study focused on 11 priority recommendations outlined in the IMF’s 2022 Governance Diagnostic Assessment (GDA)—a report that pinpointed Zambia’s most urgent governance and corruption vulnerabilities.
The assessment reveals a mixed picture.
Zambia has fully implemented one recommendation: the enactment of the Access to Information Act, which lays the groundwork for improved transparency. Progress has also been made in areas such as rolling out the E-Government Procurement system, improving internal audits in high-risk areas like VAT refunds, and establishing a register for beneficial ownership.
However, there are significant gaps. Four of the 11 recommendations remain unimplemented, including those on merit-based appointments of top anti-corruption officials and stronger oversight of government-owned financial institutions. Other reforms, like the full rollout of financial management systems and consistent publication of tax expenditure reports, have only seen partial progress.
One of the key takeaways is the urgent need to move beyond legislation and ensure real-world impact. For example, while the Access to Information Act was passed, its full implementation is stalled by the lack of accompanying regulations and limited public awareness.
TI-Z’s report not only highlights successes and challenges but also provides clear recommendations for action. These include amending outdated laws, increasing stakeholder engagement, enhancing institutional independence, and investing in enforcement and oversight capacity.
As Zambia continues its path toward economic and institutional reform, this assessment serves as both a progress check and a call to action—for government, civil society, and development partners alike.
