LGAZ Commences Study on Voluntary Subnational Reviews (VSRs) Across Selected Provinces

LGAZ Commences Study on Voluntary Subnational Reviews (VSRs) Across Selected Provinces

The Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) has commenced a comprehensive study on the Voluntary Subnational Reviews (VSRs) in selected local authorities across Southern, Copperbelt, and Eastern Provinces. The initiative is aimed at assessing how local authorities are localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contributing to Zambia’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.

The study is being undertaken with the support of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and involves focus group discussions and interviews with key officials, community representatives, and stakeholders.

The exercise began in Southern Province, where the LGAZ team engaged with Mazabuka Municipal Council to discuss the City’s experiences, achievements, and lessons in advancing the SDGs. Similar engagements were held in Choma, Livingstone, and Zimba, alongside fieldwork on community awareness. In Copperbelt Province, the team met with Lufwanyama and Kitwe councils, continuing the dialogue on how SDGs are being integrated, monitored, and advanced at the district level.

Building on these activities, LGAZ this week moved to Eastern Province, where the survey is being undertaken in collaboration with respective local authorities. In Chipata, the team engaged a wide range of stakeholders including ZANACO and ABSA banks, Rockview University management and students, Ward Development Committees (WDCs), constituency offices, Eastern Water and Sanitation Company, civil society organisations, market associations, and the wider community. Interviews were also conducted with Chipangali, Katete, Sinda, and Nyimba Town Councils to capture their perspectives and progress on SDG localisation.

Across all provinces, the discussions are focusing on:

• Identifying which SDGs are most relevant to departmental work and how they are mainstreamed into plans and budgets.
• Tracking progress, including examining data collection practices and identifying gaps that affect effective monitoring.
• Exploring collaboration across departments to achieve multiple SDGs simultaneously.
• Highlighting challenges and capacity needs.

These engagements underscore the critical role of local authorities in driving sustainable development. The lessons and best practices emerging from the study will not only contribute to Zambia’s national reporting but also inspire and guide other councils across the country in accelerating progress towards the SDGs.

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