Thursday, July 2, 2026 - Lusaka, Zambia

Across Zambia, civil society organisations continue to play a critical role in promoting accountability, amplifying community voices, and contributing to inclusive national development. Recognising the importance of strengthening this role, the Local Empowerment and Development – Civil Society LEADS (CSO LEADS) Project recently concluded a series of capacity-strengthening workshops that brought together organisations from Luapula, North-Western, Southern, Lusaka, and Western Provinces.

Held over three weeks, the workshops provided a platform for learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among approximately 80 representatives from grassroots, middle-level, established, and well-established civil society organisations and networks.

Building Capacity for Greater Impact

The training focused on strengthening participants' knowledge and practical skills in key areas, including advocacy, policy engagement, social accountability, and citizen participation. These competencies are essential for enabling civil society organisations to effectively engage with duty-bearers, influence public policy, and promote transparent and responsive governance.

Despite representing different regions and working across diverse thematic areas, participants shared a common vision: empowering communities by ensuring that the voices of women, young people, and marginalised groups are heard and reflected in decision-making processes.

Learning from Shared Experiences

Beyond technical training, the workshops fostered meaningful dialogue among organisations facing similar opportunities and challenges. Participants exchanged practical experiences, reflected on successful approaches to community engagement, and explored innovative ways of strengthening collaboration and accountability at local level.

The workshops also strengthened relationships between organisations across provinces, creating networks that will continue to support peer learning, collaboration, and collective action long after the training has concluded.

Looking Ahead

The capacity-building workshops represent an important milestone, but they also mark the beginning of a longer journey. Through ongoing mentorship, research, and continued collaboration, participating organisations will continue building the knowledge, confidence, and partnerships needed to create lasting change within their communities.

Strong communities are built when local organisations have the skills, confidence, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in shaping the decisions that affect people's lives. By investing in civil society, the CSO LEADS Project is helping to strengthen democratic participation, improve accountability, and promote inclusive development across Zambia.

The Local Empowerment and Development – Civil Society LEADS Project is jointly implemented by People in Need Zambia and the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) with funding from the European Commission.