The World Bank has approved a $33 million grant through the International Development Association (IDA) to enhance accountability, operational efficiency, and access to water and sanitation services in Zambia. The announcement was made on 28 April 2025.
The grant will finance the Water Supply and Sanitation Services in Growth Centers Program, implemented by the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation in collaboration with selected commercial utilities and the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO).
Targeted utilities include Kafubu, Luapula, North-western, and Western water and sanitation commercial utilities.
The programme aims to improve governance through sector reforms to enhance transparency and budget allocation, strengthen board practices, and improve service delivery.
Planned activities include upgrading billing systems, reducing water losses, expanding household water and sanitation connections, and promoting gender equality and climate resilience within the sector.
“By prioritizing governance reforms, operational efficiency, and climate resilience, this program will contribute to fostering sustainable development and enhance health outcomes for the Zambians,” said Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia.
“The program will promote gender equality by encouraging women’s employment and representation in leadership positions within the water sector,” added Ousmane Yida Yaya-Bocoum, World Bank Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist and Task Team Leader. “It will also strengthen climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, making water and sanitation services more resilient to climate impacts,” he continued.
The programme is expected to improve utilities’ creditworthiness by reducing physical and commercial water losses and increasing revenue generation to cover operational costs.
It also aims to expand services to underserved growth centers and rural areas, improving health outcomes and reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases.
The World Bank has been supporting Zambia since 1955, with a focus on reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development.
The International Development Association (IDA), the concessional arm of the World Bank, provides Zambia with low to zero-interest loans and grants for critical development projects.
As of 2024, Zambia’s IDA portfolio covers sectors such as agriculture, education, energy, health, social protection, and water.
The World Bank’s current Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Zambia prioritizes inclusive growth, human capital development, and improved governance.
