The 2026 Africa Decentralisation Day has been set for October 15th in Mumbwa District, Central Province, under the theme: “Empowered local governments for sustainable water and sanitation: advancing resilient, inclusive and sustainable territories towards agenda 2063.” This is…

The 2026 Africa Decentralisation Day has been set for October 15th in Mumbwa District, Central Province, under the theme: “Empowered local governments for sustainable water and sanitation: advancing resilient, inclusive and sustainable territories towards agenda 2063.”

This is according to a statement issued to the media by Management Development Division Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office, Alfred Sakwiya, who says the day provides African Union (AU) Member States an opportunity to assess progress and share experiences in the implementation of decentralisation reforms.

The Permanent Secretary added that it will also help raise awareness of the critical role of local governments in strengthening democracy, enhancing citizen participation, improving service delivery and driving sustainable development.

And Mr Sakwiya noted that this year’s theme underscores the important role of local governments in ensuring access to sustainable water and sanitation services, strengthening resilience to climate-related challenges and promoting inclusive development in line with the aspirations of agenda 2063.

“The observance is anchored on the principles of the African charter on the values and principles of decentralisation, local governance and local development, which promotes citizen participation, accountability, subsidiarity and sustainable local development as essential components of good governance and democratic development across Africa,” he added.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the national decentralisation policy and advancing the devolution programme as a means of bringing development and public services closer to the people.

He explained that through these reforms, local authorities continue to play an important role in planning, coordinating and delivering development interventions that respond to local needs and priorities.

Meanwhile, Mr Sakwiya disclosed that, as part of the programme, outstanding local authorities will be recognised for their performance under the water and sanitation development scorecard and related indicators aligned with the four thematic areas of the commemoration.

He has since invited all stakeholders and members of the public to participate in the event and join the country in reaffirming its commitment to empowered local governments, improved service delivery and sustainable development for all citizens.