Staff Reporter
ON the sidelines of the resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Gift Sialubalo, MP, met with Namibia’s Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, MP, to discuss potential collaboration in decentralisation, local governance, and local authority service delivery.
Sankwasa expressed Namibia’s interest in Zambia’s implementation of its decentralisation policy, particularly the devolution of functions from central government all the way up to local authorities. He also indicated Namibia’s intention to undertake a learning visit to Zambia to observe these systems in action.
Photos: Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development-Zambia
In response, Sialubalo welcomed the proposal, describing it as a timely opportunity for mutual learning and regional cooperation. “Zambia is ready to share its experiences and also learn from others. These kinds of engagements are critical in shaping responsive and people-centred governance,” he said.
Sialubalo further expressed interest in learning from Namibia’s approaches to sustainable waste management, noting the growing urgency of the issue due to increasing urbanization.
The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to pursue avenues for future technical exchanges, study visits, and broader collaboration in areas of shared interest.
