The Public Financial Management (PFM-G) Consult has urged Government to take steps to increase budget transparency by publishing electronic copies of key budget documents which are currently pending.
Institute Economist Joseph Chirwa noted that only a well-informed public can effectively engage its government on spending and allocation decisions.
Mr. Chirwa added that the Institute has since undertaken a review of the current state of public participation in Zambia’s budget process in seeking to contribute to effective public contribution.
He stated that the resultant policy brief highlights the importance of addressing low fiscal transparency, disorganization and strained relations between Government and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), for the nation to increase its level of public participation.
“PFM-G Consult has established that Zambia’s level of public participation remains low, as indicated by the 2017 and 2019 Open Budget Surveys. For Zambia to increase its level and effectiveness of public participation there is need for stakeholders to initiate policy changes for improved participation.”
“Government should take steps to increase budget transparency by publishing electronic copies of key budget documents which are currently pending,” Mr. Chirwa said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chirwa urged public interest groups such as Civil Society Organizations and private sector players to find ways to coordinate their 2021 budget submissions in order to present a united front on key policy issues.

“Furthermore, government and CSOs should take steps to restore their fragile relationships as well as improve coordination and organization.”
“We urge the Ministry of Finance, to neutralize the current ‘politically charged’ governance environment; in which CSOs are expected to either praise or criticize the government, with no middle-ground, objectivity or neutrality,” he stated.
Recently, the Ministry of Finance released a treasury brief inviting the public to make submissions for the formulation of the 2021 budget and the 2021 to 2023 medium term expenditure framework.