UNDP-Zambia - Democratic and economic governance

Democratic and economic governance

Our Governance programme is divided in two sub-programmes: Economic Governance and Democratic Governance. Both of them contribute to building an effectively managed and accountable apparatus of government.

UNDP's Economic Governance programme in Zambia aims at supporting the Government of the Republic of Zambia to develop a national long-term vision. The vision outlines development targets for the year 2030 and serves as the foundation for the 5th National Development Plan, which will guide the budgeting process of the Government from 2006 to 2011.

UNDP is supporting the Government in integrating the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) within the Plan. In addition to regular monitoring of the progress towards the MDGs this includes a Needs Assessment that helps to determine the budgetary requirements, resources available and the financing gaps for the attainment of the Goals.

UNDP is also supporting the Government to establish an electronic database for tracking aid flows into the country. The database will provide information on where (through GIS mapping); in what magnitude (commitments and disbursements); and over what duration development assistance has been provided. This will help the Government to determine the development gaps and implement strategies to address areas that require additional support.

In addition, UNDP support is aimed at ensuring that modern Information Communication Technologies are installed within the Ministry of Finance and National Planning through the establishment of an internet backbone within the Ministry.

Democratic Governance: UNDP Zambia implements a wide-ranging Governance Programme which aims to support and improve national policy making and implementation. This is done through bringing government policies closer to local communities and supporting better policy formulation and practice in line with Government priorities. We also strive to ensure that commitment to democratic processes and human rights are included in Government policy and programming.

UNDP Zambia is uniquely positioned to contribute to issues of good governance due to its strategic place in working with the Government to identify and progress common objectives. We also contribute through bringing international and regional knowledge to national programming initiatives.

UNDP supports the Joint Gender Support Programme (JGSP), which has an overall objective to reduce gender imbalances and attain gender equality in Zambia. The programme aims to achieve this objective by strengthening the national capacity to mainstream gender in legal, political, economic and social/cultural spheres. As a result, both male and females will benefit by participating equally in the development process.