Yesterday, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development held the “You Speak: Youth Voices on Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and Local Empowerment” workshop at M’kango Golfview Hotel in Lusaka. The event was officiated by Dr. Gabriel Pollen, Permanent Secretary for Administration, and focused on the role of CDF in driving youth and community development across Zambia.
Dr. Pollen described the Constituency Development Fund as a transformative tool actively empowering youth and improving communities. He noted that CDF forms a cornerstone of the government’s grassroots development strategy, supporting a range of initiatives at the constituency level.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted how CDF drives youth empowerment through vocational training programs that equip young people with practical skills, provision of startup capital for youth-led businesses to foster entrepreneurship, and funding for education including bursaries, textbooks, and infrastructure development.
Dr. Pollen also emphasized that the impact of CDF extends beyond individual beneficiaries, creating tangible community transformation. Projects supported by the fund include the construction of roads and bridges, funding health initiatives such as new facilities and equipment, and enabling communities to take ownership of local development efforts.
The PS underlined the importance of capacity building for local councils, enhanced transparency and accountability, and measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of CDF-supported projects. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate effectively to address challenges and seize opportunities linked to local empowerment initiatives.
The workshop reinforced the role of CDF as a tool for inclusive development, youth empowerment, and sustainable community growth across Zambia.