Sweden signs partnership agreement with National Democratic Institute to enhance women's political leadership.
Ahead of Zambia’s next elections in August 2026, Sweden has signed a partnership agreement with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) for a project to enhance Women’s Political Leadership as well as contributing to a more conducive environment for Women’s Political Participation.
Despite Zambia's democratic progress, women's political participation remains the lowest in all of Southern Africa. After the latest elections in 2021, only 3 out of 18 Cabinet ministers are women, 15% of Parliament and, only 8% of Local government counsellors. Some major challenges to women's equal representation include legislation, socio-cultural norms and practices as well as financial barriers, violence, and harassment.
The project will address barriers to women's political participation, aiming to increase the number of women. running for office at the local council level in 24 districts across all 10 provinces. The programme will train women, engage male leaders to support women's leadership, and promote gender equality through relevant institutions, such as political parties, traditional authorities, religious institutions, and other local structures. The International Foundation for Election support (IFES) will complement the efforts of NDI by enhancing inclusive political participation through Zambia’s electoral institutions.
The project will run until April 2027.
