–Zambia has recorded a steady progress in the implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
APRM is a programme under the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) which seeks to contribute to the improvement of governance systems and practices in all African countries.
Speaking during the launch of the country review report in Chipata Eastern province Permanent Secretary, Chanda Kasolo, said good governance is key to any country’s achievement of national development.
Mr Kasolo said this is because it predicts how socio and economic development processes are planned and how they remain relevant to the attainment of sustainable human development and poverty reduction.
He said through good governance government is able to promote agendas that place citizens at the centre of development.
The Permanent Secretary explained that government is committed to ensuring that there is an inclusive development in the country which is also the key concern of the APRM process.
Mr Kasolo added that APRM plays a key role in helping countries to realise their own development agenda while emphasising the need for adherence to good governance principles.
He said to this effect the PF government, through its manifesto, has reinforced governance principles by instating on people-cantered programmes which include projects such as the decentralisation programme and the implementation of infrastructural development.
And APRM National Governing Council (NGC) chairperson, Reuben Lifuka, said sound governance instruments, such as the APRM, lay a strong foundation and framework in improving people’s livelihood.
In speech read for him by NGC member, Timothy Kazembe, Mr Lifuka expressed optimism that the objectives and principles enshrined in the constitutive instruments of the APRM would result in the success of the programme.
Earlier, Civil Society Organisation (CSO) representative, Rodney Katongo, commended government for its commitment towards implementing the APRM through the National Programme of Action (NPoA).
Mr Katongo noted that the commitment by government will go a long way in improving the lives of people in the country.
He further pledged CSO’s continued support in monitoring the implementation of the NPoA to ensure that it saves its purpose.