The Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Zambia’s flagship vehicle for grassroots transformation, has once again received a boost. Finance and National Planning Minister, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, yesterday announced that in the 2026 national budget, the allocation to each of the country’s 156 constituencies will rise from K36.1 million in 2025 to K40 million in 2026.
This marks the highest CDF allocation in Zambia’s history and reflects a five year trajectory of steady growth under the New Dawn administration. From a modest K1.6 million per constituency in 2021, the fund saw a seismic jump to K25.7 million in 2022, followed by K28.3 million in 2023, K30.6 million in 2024, and K36.1 million in 2025. With next year’s increase, the government will have committed nearly K6.24 billion in 2026 alone towards constituency level development.
What the Increase Translates Into
The CDF increment is more than just a number. It represents expanded opportunities for communities long sidelined by centralised planning. Over the last three years, CDF has delivered tangible results: more classrooms, health facilities, maternity annexes, ambulances, feeder roads, water and sanitation projects, bursaries for vulnerable students, empowerment grants, and security support.
Education and Skills Development.
The education sector has seen the construction of more than 2,800 classroom blocks and the provision of over 670,000 desks, ensuring children learn in dignity and no child sits on the floor.
Further, 82,652 pupils have benefitted from secondary boarding school bursaries equally split between boys and girls, while 151,518 learners have accessed skills development bursaries, with 65% male and 35% female.
Health Infrastructure
CDF has supported the building of 164 health facilities and 206 maternity annexes, bringing quality healthcare closer to families.
To strengthen emergency response, 156 ambulances have been procured under CDF, with 119 already delivered to constituencies, enhancing access to timely medical care across the country.
Roads and Connectivity
To connect communities to opportunities, 860 kilometres of feeder roads have been rehabilitated, opening up markets and enabling rural households to participate more actively in the economy.
Clean Water and Sanitation (WASH) The fund has delivered life changing water and sanitation infrastructure. 1,792 boreholes have been drilled and equipped, while 531 water schemes have been constructed or rehabilitated. In addition, 2,700+ sanitation facilities, including 228 new ablution blocks in public spaces like markets and bus stations, have significantly improved hygiene.
Youth, Women and Community Empowerment
CDF has become a lifeline for empowerment. To date, 8,766 youth groups and 18,282 women groups have received empowerment grants. In addition, 1,506 youth owned enterprises and 1,557 women owned enterprises have benefitted from empowerment loans, helping to grow small businesses and create jobs.
Security
In support of law enforcement, 156 police motor vehicles have been procured under CDF, improving community security and police visibility across constituencies.
Safeguarding Value for Money
The increase also comes with heightened responsibility. President Hakainde Hichilema has repeatedly cautioned against substandard works and misuse of funds, stressing that CDF must deliver value for money. Stronger accountability and monitoring mechanisms are expected to accompany the increment.
A Turning Point in Decentralisation
Beyond projects, the CDF increment signals the deepening of decentralisation, with 13 government functions already devolved to councils.
This shift empowers local authorities to respond more effectively to community priorities while giving citizens a louder voice in decision making.
As Zambia moves into 2026, the increased CDF allocation underscores the government’s commitment to grassroots driven development. For millions of citizens, it translates into more classrooms, bursaries, clinics, ambulances, roads, water points, empowerment opportunities, and improved community
security, proof that national prosperity can indeed be built from the ground up.
Key Highlights at a Glance
• K40 million CDF per constituency in 2026, up from K36.1m in 2025.
• 2,800+ classroom blocks and 670,000 desks delivered.
• 82,652 pupils supported with secondary boarding bursaries (50% male, 50% female).
• 151,518 learners benefitted from skills training bursaries (65% male, 35% female).
• 164 health facilities and 206 maternity annexes constructed.
• 156 ambulances procured, with 119 delivered so far.
• 860 km of feeder roads rehabilitated.
• 1,792 boreholes, 531 water schemes, and 228 ablution blocks constructed.
• 8,766 youth groups and 18,282 women groups supported with grants.
• 1,506 youth enterprises and 1,557 women enterprises accessed loans.
• 156 police motor vehicles procured under CDF.