Northern Province’s CDF Revolution: A Five-Year Chronicle of Growth, Empowerment, and Lasting Impact (2021–2026)
Introduction
The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has emerged as the most powerful engine for grassroots transformation in Zambia’s Northern Province. What began as a modest allocation of K1.6 million per constituency in 2021 has evolved into a transformative development force, culminating in a landmark K40 million per constituency in 2026. This remarkable 2,400% increase has propelled the region from enduring decades of infrastructure deficits to actively constructing modern health facilities, classrooms, roads, and launching thousands of economic empowerment initiatives.
From the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Mpulungu to the agricultural heartlands of Mungwi and the remote communities of Nsama and Lunte, Northern Province has become a showcase of how decentralized funding, community-driven decision-making, and political will can deliver tangible, life-changing results. This article chronicles the key successes, amounts spent, and the districts transformed between 2021 and 2026, while also highlighting the ambitious projects currently underway.
The Funding Surge: From Millions to Billions
The government’s decision to drastically increase CDF allocations has fundamentally transformed Northern Province’s development landscape. Across Zambia, the annual allocation per constituency has risen steadily: K25.7 million in 2022, K28.3 million in 2023, K30.6 million in 2024, K36.1 million in 2025, and K40 million in 2026. Northern Province’s 12 districts—Kasama, Mbala, Mpulungu, Luwingu, Mungwi, Mporokoso, Lunte, Nsama, Kaputa, Chilubi, Senga Hill, and Kawambwa—have all benefited from this unprecedented financial injection.
Completed Projects: Transforming Communities Across Northern Province
The impact of the increased funding is most visible in the completed projects that now dot the province. Across every district, communities are celebrating new infrastructure that was once only a dream.
Kasama District: The Provincial Capital Leads by Example
Kasama District has emerged as a model for comprehensive CDF utilization. In 2023, the district commissioned nine new classroom blocks worth over K5 million, providing thousands of learners with dignified learning environments. The Henry Kapata Primary School was constructed at a cost of K525,000 under the CDF, bringing quality education to the community.
Perhaps the most significant health achievement in the province came in December 2025, when the government commissioned a modern mortuary facility at Kasama General Hospital valued at K1,390,000. Co-financed by Kasama Central and Lukashya constituencies, the facility increased the hospital’s mortuary capacity from 21 to 46 bodies, enhancing public health preparedness and ensuring dignified handling of the deceased across Northern Province.
In the education sector, Kasama Municipal Council invested approximately K16.9 million in desk procurement, purchasing 10,500 desks out of a target of 11,270—more than 93 per cent of the total requirement. This initiative, phased since 2023, has transformed classroom experiences for learners across the district. At Kasama Day Secondary School, pupils now enjoy comfortable, smooth desks that enable concentration and dignity during lessons.
Mbala District: Economic Empowerment and Infrastructure Excellence
Mbala District has demonstrated exceptional performance in both infrastructure and economic empowerment. From 2022 to 2026, the Mbala Municipal Council disbursed CDF loans totalling K12,609,425, alongside grants worth K2.2 million in 2024 and K2,491,290.40 in 2025. These funds have transformed local businesses and livelihoods.
One powerful testimony comes from Davies Musukuma, a Mbala-based businessman who declared: “I have managed to buy a canter and educate my children through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).” Another beneficiary, Davies Simuchindo, who owns Mwelele Agro Dealers, received a K150,000 CDF empowerment loan in 2023, successfully planting 60 hectares of maize and purchasing a Ford Ranger.
In July 2024, Mbala Municipal Council handed over CDF Empowerment Loans to 33 applicants amounting to K3,417,000, and K2,283,000 to 151 Grant beneficiaries across the 9 wards of Mbala Constituency. In June 2025, Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao personally handed over CDF Empowerment Loans totalling K3,736,935.61 to 28 enterprises in Mbala Constituency.
On the infrastructure front, Mbala procured a total of 9,200 desks at a combined cost of K13.9 million in response to the Presidential directive that no child should sit on the floor. The procurement included 4,200 desks costing K6.4 million in 2023 followed by 5,000 desks at K7.5 million. Additionally, the council directed CDF resources towards a 1×2 classroom block valued at K509,000 for children with special needs at Chila Deaf Unit, demonstrating inclusive development.
A major road rehabilitation project on Presidents Avenue Road in Mbala is also underway, financed under the 2024 and 2025 CDF allocations, involving drainage systems, sidewalks, and street lighting.
Luwingu District: Multi-Million Kwacha Project Commissioning
In June 2024, Northern Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Mpundu commissioned 16 CDF projects in Lubansenshi Constituency of Luwingu District constructed at a total cost of over K20.7 million using the 2022 and 2023 CDF allocations. These projects included classroom blocks, staff houses, and health centers.
Speaking at the commissioning, Mr. Mpundu declared: “The 16 projects we are handing over today have been funded at a total cost of ZMK 20,7779,274. These infrastructures have been given to you, and it is the community that will benefit from them, not the government”. Annet Chimumbwa, a grateful resident, testified that the opening of a health facility near her community “will help reduce the distances that people walk to access health facilities”.
The district continues to move forward. In 2025, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development approved six community projects for Luwingu District, including earth-moving equipment (Motor Grader, Excavator, and Roller Compactor), Phase 2 construction of a Modern Bus Station, installation of a water scheme at Kapupu Health Centre, and Phase 2 construction of Shimumbi Health Centre. The government also approved 62 empowerment grants, 36 empowerment loans, 532 Skills Development applications, and 178 Secondary School bursary applicants for the district.
Lunte District: Maternal Health Milestone
Lunte District achieved a historic milestone with the construction of the first ever maternity annex in Malaila ward under the 2023 CDF allocation. The facility, built at Moseni health post, cost a total of K2,341,734.82, with the main maternity building costing K1,281,734.82, an incinerator K200,000, an 8kV solar installation system K297,000, and medical equipment K563,000.
The facility is expected to significantly reduce the travelling of expecting mothers to other places like Kasama and Mporokoso, saving time and money. Sub-Chief Ponde expressed gratitude: “His people will be spared from travelling long distances to access antenatal services, lifting the financial burden from expecting mothers and many families”.
In a unique innovation, Lunte District also used the 2025 CDF allocation to procure two banana boats for the people of Bwandela Ward, who have for years faced the yearly challenge of crossing the flooding Kalungwishi River. The boats will ease movement for the community when floods cut off access to schools and essential services.
Nsama District: Integrated Health and Security Infrastructure
Nsama District has witnessed a comprehensive transformation through CDF. In June 2025, the Northern Province Permanent Secretary commissioned three CDF projects: a Mini Mortuary at Nsama Rural Health Centre, the newly constructed Kampinda Police Post, and a 1×3 Classroom Block at Mupundu Primary School.
The construction of a modern maternity annex, a theatre, and a mini mortuary at Nsama Rural Health Post using the 2023 CDF at a cost of over K3.7 million has progressed well, significantly enhancing maternal health delivery. Mr. Mpundu noted that “the completion of the facilities will help reduce the number of referral cases that are rampant at the Nsama Rural Health Post due to lack of such facilities”.
Additionally, the government disbursed a total of K6,094,200 in 2025 CDF empowerment grants and loans to 91 cooperatives in Nsama District. Of these, 58 clubs and cooperatives received grants amounting to K2,320,000, while 33 cooperatives were awarded loans totalling K3,774,200.
Senga Hill District: K31.3 Million Infrastructure Package
In June 2025, the government commissioned 16 development projects in Senga Hill District worth K31.3 million, funded under the CDF. The commissioned projects include earthmoving equipment valued at K17.3 million for road works, classroom blocks at Kalukanya and Chiswela Primary Schools, 7,100 desks, teachers’ houses, an ablution block at Senga Hill District Hospital, an X-ray lab at Mambwe Mission Hospital, and boreholes at five schools and health facilities.
Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao hailed the CDF as “a key driver for equitable and transformative development,” emphasizing that “the projects go beyond infrastructure, aiming to improve lives and uplift communities”.
Mungwi District: Seven Projects Handed Over
In December 2025, Northern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi-Phiri handed over seven CDF projects in Mungwi District, including an ablution block at Civic Centre, an ambulance, a Lowbed, fifty bunk beds at Kanyanta STEM Secondary School, a 1×3 classroom block at Mulambe Primary school, a science laboratory at Musenga Secondary school, and the rehabilitated Chamfubu bridge. The handover also included CDF empowerment loans amounting to K3,736,935.16.
Ms. Undi-Phiri declared: “The handover of seven projects under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is a clear testament of the impact that the fund is making for the people of Mungwi district”. The procurement of an ambulance, she noted, demonstrates “government’s commitment to improving emergency healthcare in the district especially in ensuring that no mother dies while bringing life”.
Furthermore, the Chambeshi ring road in Mungwi District, covering 110.6 kilometers, is being rehabilitated with CDF support in collaboration with the Zambia National Service, easing transportation of farming inputs.
Mpulungu District: Empowering Women and Youth
Mpulungu Town Council has made significant strides in economic empowerment. In November 2025, the council disbursed Women and Youth empowerment funds worth K2,491,290 to 125 beneficiaries, alongside loans amounting to K4,483,000 to 62 beneficiaries. Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao presented the cheques, urging recipients to use the funds prudently.
The district has also commenced the upgrading of feeder roads, with nine selected feeder roads earmarked for upgrade in Mpulungu Constituency under the 2025 CDF allocation. Other CDF-funded projects include water reticulation with 50 water tanks, rehabilitation of Mpulungu Urban Clinic, construction of 1×3 classroom block at Musende Secondary School, electrification of Kaizya Primary School, procurement of an ambulance, and the Kalongola bridge construction.
Empowerment and Skills Development: Building Human Capital
Beyond infrastructure, the CDF has been a catalyst for economic empowerment and skills development across Northern Province. In 2025 alone, the government disbursed CDF empowerment grants and loans totalling K6,094,200 to 91 cooperatives in Nsama District. In Mungwi District, a beneficiary named Rejoice Chisense received a CDF loan of K20,000 in 2022-2023 and declared: “The government’s support has been a turning point for me. I can now afford to purchase essential commodities like various relishes, and I’ve even bought a fridge for my drinks business. My business has reached a new level”.
In Lukashya Constituency of Kasama District, the council secured approval for a total of K6,882,569.66 under the 2026 CDF allocation aimed at supporting secondary school boarding and skills development sponsorships.
Ongoing Projects: Building on Momentum
Even as communities celebrate completed projects, the pipeline for 2025 and 2026 is robust. Many projects are either under construction or in advanced planning stages.
- Nsama District continues construction of the modern maternity annex, theatre, and mini mortuary at Nsama Rural Health Post using the 2023 CDF at a cost of over K3.7 million.
- Mpulungu District is undertaking upgrading of nine feeder roads under the 2025 CDF allocation, along with water reticulation projects and school infrastructure.
- Lunte District has issued tenders for the construction of Lunte District Hospital Phase 1, including maternity, male and female wards, under the CDF.
- Kasama Municipal Council is set to receive five heavy-duty road equipment under the 2025 CDF, including a Bulldozer, Tipper Truck, and Water Bowser, valued at approximately K19,000,000. Two more machines, a Lowbed Truck and an Excavator, are currently under procurement. The council has also signed contracts for 2025 CDF health projects, including installation of ceiling boards and solar power at Kasakula Maternity Wing and plumbing works at Lwabwe Maternity Wing.
- Mbala District has made 80% progress on the construction of a Water Borne Ablution Block coupled with a Mechanised Water Reticulation System at Kawimbe Secondary School under the 2024 CDF.
- Luwingu District has approved Phase 2 construction of Shimumbi Health Centre and installation of a water scheme at Kapupu Health Centre under the 2025 CDF allocation.
- Mungwi Town Council is actively utilizing the current K36.1 million allocation to bring tangible development to the district, including the ongoing rehabilitation of the Chamfubu bridge and construction of classroom blocks.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the overwhelming successes, the CDF implementation has faced challenges. Some constituencies have experienced delays in project completion, and there have been isolated reports of substandard workmanship requiring ministerial intervention. However, the government has responded proactively, with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development emphasizing accountability, transparency, and active community participation as non-negotiable principles.
Loan default remains a concern, but authorities have warned that “the use of these funds will be strictly monitored under the Financial Management Act, and any misuse will result in serious consequences”.
The trajectory remains overwhelmingly positive. With the 2026 allocation now set at K40 million per constituency, Northern Province is poised to build on its momentum. Deputy Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi-Phiri has disclosed that “with CDF allocations expected to rise to K40 million per constituency in 2026, communities stand to benefit from even faster development”.
Conclusion
From 2021 to 2026, the Constituency Development Fund has rewritten the development story of Northern Province. What was once a symbolic fund has become a practical tool for eradicating classroom shortages, bringing clean water to villages, equipping clinics with modern mortuaries and maternity annexes, and empowering thousands of entrepreneurs with loans and grants.
As Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao declared during a handover in Senga Hill, the CDF is “a key driver for equitable and transformative development”. The evidence is clear: across Kasama, Mbala, Mpulungu, Luwingu, Mungwi, Lunte, Nsama, Senga Hill, and beyond, the CDF has delivered. With continued commitment to transparency, execution, and community participation, the next five years promise even greater transformation for the people of Northern Province.