By 
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has highlighted critical gaps in asset declarations, lifestyle audits, and enforcement consistency under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration.
While acknowledging positive strides, including the enactment of the Access to Information Act and increased funding for oversight institutions, TI-Z called for urgent reforms, stronger political will, and enhanced protection of civic space.
Priscilla Chansa, TI-Z Chapter President, made the remarks during a second-quarter press briefing at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka on Wednesday, presenting an evidence-based assessment of the UPND administration’s anti-corruption and governance performance over the past four years.
Drawing on 12 manifesto promises and insights from 65 stakeholders across civil society, media, academia, and development partners, Chansa reported a concerning score of 2.1 out of 5, signaling low progress on key commitments.
“Of the twelve promises assessed, nine were rated poorly. The highest ratings were given to Operation Recovery (2.8/5), Economic Management (2.7/5), and Rule of Law (2.6/5),” she said.
Chansa identified the weakest areas as Declaration of Assets and Wealth (1.6/5) and Lifestyle Audits (1.8/5), noting that comprehensive legislation and consistent implementation remain lacking.
She acknowledged progress in strengthening anti-corruption institutions, including the appointment of a new Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Board and Director-General and a funding increase from K73 million in 2021 to nearly K180 million in 2025.
The introduction of rules under the Economic and Financial Crimes Court has also enabled quicker disposal of some high-profile cases.
“Parliament’s enactment of the Access to Information Act in December 2023, with a commencement order in June 2024, is a historic step toward transparency,” Chansa said.
However, she noted ongoing obstacles, including gaps in political will, selective enforcement, and perceived bias favoring ruling party officials.
“The government must embed measurable anti-corruption benchmarks in performance contracts and make leadership changes where integrity lapses are evident,” Chansa said.
She called for completion of legal reforms, particularly amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act, a comprehensive asset declaration law covering all state officers, and a lifestyle audit framework with due-process safeguards.
Chansa also urged full operationalisation of the ATI Act, with clear regulations, designated information officers in each ministry, and mechanisms for proactive disclosure.
“Enforcement must be applied fairly across political lines if public trust is to be restored, including decisive action on allegations involving ruling party officials and senior state officers,” she said.
Chansa emphasized the protection of civic space and press freedom, curbing overbroad “breach of peace” charges, and strengthening community oversight of CDF funds.
She also called for political financing regulation to prevent undue influence and illicit funding in politics, and for linking macroeconomic stability to targeted anti-poverty measures to address rising living costs and inequality.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments