Zambia Hosts National Workshop to Strengthen SDG Localization, Voluntary Local Reviews, and Infrastructure Asset Management

Lusaka, 2 March 2026 (ECA) - A national Training and Peer Learning Workshop on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Localization, Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), and Infrastructure Asset Management for local and central government officials opened today in Lusaka, bringing together key stakeholders to accelerate Zambia's progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Zambia is participating in the continental initiative "Strengthening Local and National Government Capacities for SDG Localization in Africa", which aims to support the development of new VLRs and provide targeted capacity-building to accelerate SDG implementation. A major focus is the integration of infrastructure asset management planning, a vital tool for local authorities to enhance resilience, improve service delivery, and increase the long-term value of public infrastructure.

Supported by funding from the Government of Italy, a longstanding partner in SDG localization efforts, the four-day workshop, running from 2 to 5 March 2026, is jointly organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Division for Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).

Speaking during the opening session, Ms. Prudence Kaoma, Permanent Secretary for Planning and Administration in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, in a speech delivered by Ms. Jamie Mukuwa, Head of Internal Audit, emphasized the urgency of accelerating implementation:

"With only a few years remaining to 2030, we must move from policy to practice, from commitment to implementation, and from planning to measurable impact."

Earlier, Mr. Nicholas Phiri, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development noted that local authorities support the integration of the Global Goals into development plans.

"Local authorities are the critical bridge between national policy and community impact...addressing key issues identified in SDG implementation, including integration of the SDGs into development plans." He said this is a speech delivered on his behalf by Director for Physical Planning, Mr. Patson Phiri.

Mr. Federico Pucillo, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Italy in Zambia, highlighted the difficult global context for SDG progress, noting recent UN findings that show only about 17 per cent of SDG targets being on track.

"This is not a reason for discouragement, but a call for intensified effort. We know that two thirds of the SDG targets cannot be achieved without the direct engagement of local and regional governments. Therefore, by strengthening your capacity to plan, budget, and manage assets at the local level, you are providing the essential impulse needed to get the SDGs back on track in the last push to 2030."

In remarks delivered on her behalf by Ms. Martha Haipinge, Head of Office, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Ms. Beatrice Mutali, highlighted the central role of local governance in achieving the SDGs:

"The SDGs will not be achieved in global forums or national offices alone. They will be achieved in districts, wards, and communities through decisions taken by local authorities, working with citizens, traditional leaders, civil society, and the private sector."

Lusaka Mayor Her Worship Ms. Chilando Chitangala underscored the strategic importance of asset management for urban development:

"Cities are asset-heavy but often resource-constrained. That is why infrastructure asset management is not a technical add-on. It is a strategic instrument for fiscal sustainability, resilience, and inclusive growth. When we manage our roads, drainage systems, markets, schools, clinics, and public infrastructure strategically, we protect public value and strengthen long-term development outcomes."

The workshop has convened experts from national and subnational institutions across key sectors finance, local government, infrastructure, green economy, and environment alongside representatives from the Zambia Statistics Agency, the Local Government Association of Zambia, Lusaka City Council, 20 local authorities, academia, civil society organizations, development partners and the United Nations staff.

The event is being held in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development; the Ministry of Finance and National Planning SDG Coordination Unit; the Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development; the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment; the Local Government Association of Zambia; the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office; and the Zambia Statistics Agency.

Through presentations, group exercises, peer learning, and structured discussions, participants will strengthen their capacity for inclusive and data-driven SDG localization and planning, better integrate infrastructure asset management into SDG efforts, and deepen their understanding of VLR processes and asset management planning. The workshop will also establish a community of practice to support ongoing exchange and collaboration.

Background

Achieving the SDGs requires coordinated action across all levels of government and society. Since 2015, evidence has consistently shown that national-local collaboration delivers more inclusive and sustainable outcomes. With approximately 65% of SDG targets linked to the mandates of local and regional governments, local action remains indispensable for achieving the Goals.

In Zambia, SDG acceleration is being advanced through integration into national development plans and budgets, supported by decentralization reforms that transfer more resources and decision-making authority to local governments. These reforms aim to enhance service delivery, promote local development, and increase citizen participation in governance.

Issued by:
The Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa
UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
P.O. Box 30647, Lusaka, Zambia.

Media Contacts:
Ms. Lavender Degre, Communication Officer, Tel: +260 211 228502/5 Ext. 21307
DL: +260 211 376607, Email: [email protected]