WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025, KAFUE - People in Need (PIN), in partnership with the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), has successfully concluded a series of high-level provincial stakeholder engagement meetings held across Luapula, Southern, Western, North-Western and Lusaka Provinces. These engagements were implemented under the CSO-LEADs Project, with support from the European Commission.

The provincial meetings were strategically designed to strengthen collaboration among diverse development actors, enhance coordination, and promote inclusive, citizen-centred development processes. By convening key stakeholders on one platform, the engagements created space for dialogue, joint problem-solving, learning and strategic partnerships aimed at addressing persistent governance and development challenges.

Bringing Key Actors to One Table

Each meeting was officially opened by the respective Provincial Permanent Secretary, reflecting strong government commitment to inclusive development and multi-stakeholder cooperation. Participants comprised representatives from:

• Government ministries, departments and agencies
• Traditional leadership
• Civil society organisations
• The private sector
• Community-based organisations

These diverse voices ensured broad-based discussions that reflected both policy and lived community realities.

Advancing Inclusive and Sustainable Development

The engagements centred on fostering stronger, practical partnerships to advance inclusive and sustainable development. Critical thematic areas included:

• Strengthening citizen participation in governance
• Improving accountability and service delivery
• Enhancing collaboration between state and non-state actors
• Promoting transparency, responsiveness and local ownership of development processes

A key emphasis throughout all five provinces was the shift from isolated, sector-based interventions to coordinated, cross-sectoral action. Stakeholders were encouraged to move beyond duplication towards synergy, ensuring that resources, expertise and influence are directed where they are most needed.

Placing Citizens at the Centre

The completion of these provincial engagements represents a significant milestone in reinforcing a people-centred development approach. Particular attention was given to the meaningful inclusion of:

• Youth
• Women
• Persons with disabilities
• Marginalised and vulnerable groups

Discussions consistently highlighted the importance of creating civic spaces where these groups are not only beneficiaries but active agents in shaping development priorities, decision-making and oversight.

A Step Towards Stronger Coordinated Action

The outcomes from the five provinces demonstrate a growing commitment among stakeholders to work collaboratively in addressing systemic development challenges. The engagements have laid critical groundwork for:

• Stronger provincial development coordination
• Improved stakeholder communication and trust
• Joint planning and shared accountability frameworks
• Enhanced responsiveness to community needs

As the CSO-LEADs Project continues, PIN and JCTR remain committed to deepening stakeholder cooperation, strengthening civic participation, and promoting development processes that are inclusive, transparent and sustainable.

Read more about our collaboration with government here: