Government prioritizes SDGs localisation

By Derrick Sinjela and Sam Zulu 
The Government of the Republic of Zambia says it remains firmly dedicated to achieving and localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking during the official opening of the training workshop on SDGs localization, Voluntary Local Review, and Infrastructure Asset Management, Ministry of Finance and National Planning (MoFNP) Permanent Secretary for Planning and Administration, Ms. Prudence Kaoma, said Zambia has fully integrated the SDGs into the country’s national planning framework through the Eighth National Development Plan, ensuring alignment between national priorities and global aspirations.

Ms. Kaoma, represented by the MoFNP’s Internal Audit Controller, Ms. Jamie Nkuwa, stated that this alignment ensures inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, social equity and good governance.

Ms. Kaoma commended the convening of the workshop, explaining that it will strengthen the capacity of central and local government officials to translate national commitments into practical, measurable actions at the sub-national level.

Ms. Kaoma emphasised the need to integrate infrastructure asset management into SDG localization efforts, noting that sustainable development depends not only on building infrastructure but also on maintaining and managing it efficiently.

Ms. Kaoma revealed that Zambia has successfully undertaken two Voluntary National Reviews in 2020 and 2023, providing insight into progress made and existing gaps.

Ms. Kaoma urged local authorities to prioritize SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17 in their Voluntary Local Reviews preparations for 2027.

Speaking at the same event, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Mr. Nicholas Phiri, represented by Director of Physical Planning Mr. Parson Phiri, underscored the government’s resolve to deepen coordination between central government and Local Authorities.

With a clear roadmap toward 2030, Mr. Phiri projects that sustained leadership, strategic partnerships and disciplined implementation will deliver measurable progress and lasting benefits for all Zambians.

Meanwhile, Lusaka Mayor, Ms. Chilando Nakalima-Chitangala, stressed that SDGs localization must move beyond theory and become practical governance that translates ambition into concrete action.

Ms. Nakalima-Chitangala said Lusaka’s recent alignment of its Integrated Development Plan with the SDGs has resulted in investments in early childhood education, expanded primary healthcare, improved water and sanitation systems, solid-waste management reforms, and climate resilience programmes.

Ms. Nakalima-Chitangala announced that 2025 marks Lusaka’s completion of Zambia’s first-ever Voluntary Local Review, describing it as a milestone that goes beyond reporting progress.

Ms. Nakalima-Chitangala said the VLR process has triggered governance reforms, improved data systems, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and strengthened coordination with central government, while also exposing financing and infrastructure gaps requiring urgent attention.