Zambia Eligible to Join Open Government Partnership

Zambia is now eligible to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP), a global initiative aimed at promoting transparent, accountable, and participatory governance. This development follows President Hichilema’s enactment of the Access to Information law in December 2023, which made Zambia eligible for OGP membership.

Established in 2011, the OGP operates in 75 countries worldwide, with 14 African nations already members, including Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa. Despite Zambia's previous exclusion for failing to meet eligibility criteria, the OGP has invited Zambia to join the partnership.

Upon approval of Zambia's application, there will be a collaborative effort to develop a National Action Plan, spanning either two or four years, to address policy priorities.

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Zambia have already formed the CSO OGP Alliance, chaired by the Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) and hosted by Transparency International Zambia. Members of the alliance include MISA Zambia, the Zambia Council for Social Development, and ZAFOD.

CSO OGP Alliance is conducting a two-day planning workshop in preparation for the OGP process, aimed at identifying key policy areas for lobbying the government and organising strategies. This initiative and related activities are supported by the US-based Chandler Foundation.