Local government finance under Zambia's 2016 constitution

Abstract

When Zambia got its independence in 1964, there was neither a constitutional reference to local government nor constitutional provisions for local government finance. However, the new Zambian government inherited a relatively stable local government finance system. One year after Independence, councils operated under a new effected Local Government Act of 1965. The period 1965 to 1973 was a period of great success for local government, as it continued to enjoy stable and strong fiscal resources. Councils raised adequate own revenues from sources such as local electricity, water, housing and motor vehicle licensing. Local government also received adequate grants from the central government which were targeted for the development of each Council.