Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 14th March, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has reaffirmed the transparency and inclusivity of the legislative process surrounding the NGO Bill, 2025, following concerns raised by some civil society organizations through the media.
The Bill, which has been approved by Cabinet for introduction in Parliament, is the result of a rigorous and consultative process spanning several years. The Technical Working Group (TWG), responsible for shaping the Bill, was chaired and co-chaired by representatives from the NGO sector itself, ensuring that the voices of both local and international organizations were well represented.
In addition to TWG deliberations, the process included provincial consultations and validation meetings, providing multiple platforms for NGOs to contribute to the drafting of the legislation. The resulting Bill reflects broad consensus and is aligned with the aspirations of the NGO community in Zambia.
The Ministry emphasizes that Zambia’s legislative framework allows for further stakeholder engagement as the Bill moves through the various parliamentary stages. NGOs and other interested parties still have the opportunity to make submissions and propose refinements during this process.
A key objective of the NGO Bill, 2025, is to address the gaps identified in the NGO Act of 2009 and to strengthen the role of civil society in national development. The Bill introduces mechanisms for enhanced self-regulation, in response to calls from NGOs for a more enabling legal environment that fosters transparency, accountability, and active participation in Zambia’s socio-economic progress.
The New Dawn Government remains committed to an open and inclusive dialogue, ensuring that the legislative framework governing NGOs is both responsive and reflective of the sector’s needs.
The Agency.