LIFT Zambia Program

Goal: Enhanced accountability and responsiveness by duty bearers and decision makers on the implementation of pro-poor policies, equitable distribution of resources and responsive mining practices as well as improved respect for human rights in the extractive industries in Zambia.

Objectives:

• To promote an enabling democratic environment that supports increased civic activism and engagement at local, national and regional levels.
• To enhance the capacity of civic actors to effectively demand transparency, accountability and responsiveness from public officials in governance and public financial management (PFM).
• To strengthen advocacy initiatives and platforms that influence government responsiveness to pro-poor policies and ensure equitable distribution of public resources.
• To increase civil society advocacy for responsible mining practices that uphold human rights and environmental sustainability in extractive industries, contributing to policy reforms and improved corporate accountability.

Budget 2025: ZMW 3,178,292.23

Duration: June 2025- June 2030

Funding

Implementing Partners

• Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR)
• Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM)
• Centre for Trade and Policy (CTPD)
• Jesuit Centre for Trade and Research (JCTR), Alliance for Community Action (ACA)
• CEJ

Districts: Rufunsa, Kalumbila, Solwezi and Mfumbwe

Beneficiaries:

1. Civic Actors (CSOs, FBOs, CBOs and traditional and civic leaders)

2. Communities in Mining and Resource-Rich Areas

3. Government Institutions

4. Private Sector Actors in the Extractive Industry

Addressing Systemic Governance and Human Rights Gaps in Zambia

Zambia is facing serious challenges in governance and human rights that are holding back progress. Civic space is shrinking—activists are being silenced, and people’s freedoms to speak out or assemble are under threat. Corruption, poor law enforcement, and unfair distribution of resources continue to marginalize women, youth, and rural communities, leaving many voices unheard in decision-making. The extractives sector—so vital to Zambia’s economy—is plagued by poor oversight, environmental harm, and violations of community rights. This not only hurts the environment but also puts local livelihoods at risk, going against the country’s own development goals and international human rights commitments.

This project empowers citizens to take part in shaping decisions that affect their lives—especially in governance, public finance, and the extractive sector. It strengthens civil society to advocate for transparency, fair resource use, and responsible mining, while promoting legal reforms and stronger public oversight. By expanding civic space and building bridges between citizens and decision-makers, the project ensures that all voices—especially those of women, youth, and rural communities—are heard. Aligned with Zambia’s Vision 2030 and the 8th National Development Plan, the initiative drives inclusive, accountable, and sustainable development for all.

• Enhanced democratic space leading to increased civic activism,
• Enhanced capacity of civic actors to demand for accountability and responsiveness of duty bearers and decision makers in Governance and PFM.
• Strengthened advocacy towards enhanced government responsiveness to pro-poor policies and equitable distribution of public resources
• Increased advocacy for responsible mining for the protection of human and environmental rights in extractive industries

Key activities/targets

• Corruption Vulnerability Assessment on Social Cash Transfer
• Situational analysis on responsible mining and human rights abuses in extractives and development of a Responsible Mining and Human Rights Framework.
• Mining Indabas at national and local level.
• Study on Corruption Vulnerabilities in Tax Governance and Tax Compliance in Lusaka and Northwestern