Overview
This policy provides a national framework to institutionalise monitoring and evaluation (M&E) across Zambia’s public sector to support Vision 2030 and National Development Plans. It diagnoses fragmented data systems, weak capacities, and ad‑hoc, compliance-focused M&E, then sets guiding principles such as evidence-based decision making, accountability, transparency, managing for results, value for money, participation, and ethics. It defines six objectives: improving coordination of M&E at all levels; developing M&E/MIS guidelines and standards; strengthening management information systems; increasing demand and use of M&E evidence; clarifying roles and responsibilities; and building institutional capacities. Measures include establishing technical working groups, aligning sector results to the National Performance Framework, rolling out a government-wide M&E/MIS, standardising indicators and reporting tools, improving IT and statistical functions, and promoting knowledge sharing. The implementation framework assigns responsibilities to the Legislature, the Presidency and Cabinet, the Ministry responsible for national development planning, Ministry of Finance, statistical authorities, line ministries, provinces, districts, and sub‑district structures, as well as to civil society, the private sector, and cooperating partners. The legal basis references the Statistics Act, IT Management Act, and Public Finance Act, with further legislation anticipated on planning, budgeting, and M&E. Financing will come from the national budget and cooperating partners, with mid‑term and final reviews scheduled at 2.5 and 5 years respectively.