Copperbelt 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 Copperbelt 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 mining city of Kitwe to the rural expanses of Lufwanyama and the border town of Chililabombwe, Copperbelt 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 Copperbelt 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. Copperbelt Province’s 10 districts—Kitwe, Ndola, Chingola, Mufulira, Luanshya, Kalulushi, Chililabombwe, Lufwanyama, Masaiti, and Mpongwe—have all benefited from this unprecedented financial injection.
Completed Projects: Transforming Communities Across the Copperbelt
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.
Kitwe District: The Commercial Capital Leads by Example
Kitwe District has emerged as a regional model for comprehensive CDF utilization. In January 2025, the government commissioned 31 community projects and handed over five pieces of earth‑moving equipment valued at approximately K30 million, implemented under the CDF. The Kitwe City Council has disbursed over K67 million to 792 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) since 2022 under the CDF.
On the education front, Kitwe has made significant strides. The government approved the sponsorship of 2,115 students and pupils for secondary school bursaries and skills training across the five constituencies of Kitwe District at a cost of K31,124,904.68 under the 2024 CDF allocation. A total of 11,070 applications were received for the 2024 CDF across all constituencies in Kitwe, reflecting the high demand for development opportunities. At the Buchi Youth Vocational Training Centre, 76 of 98 graduating students were sponsored through the CDF Skills Development program, while another 121 CDF‑sponsored graduates celebrated their achievements at the 38th graduation ceremony.
Infrastructure projects have also flourished. In 2023, the Kitwe City Council signed seven contracts worth K8.7 million, including the construction of guard and fencing at Bulangililo Kafue Bridge, installation of solar street lights in Nkana Constituency, and rehabilitation works at Kamitondo Primary School. In 2025, the council signed 19 contracts valued at K7,143,954.32 under the CDF. In Kwacha Constituency, the Kitwe City Council disbursed K2,328,345 to 80 cooperatives through the 2024 CDF Youth, Women, and Community Empowerment Grants, and broke ground for six community projects funded by the 2023 CDF allocation at Kwacha Clinic. A borehole project in Kamakonde, funded from the 2023 CDF allocation at a cost of K51,000, brought clean communal piped water to market traders.
Ndola District: Infrastructure and Economic Empowerment in Harmony
Ndola District has demonstrated exceptional performance in both infrastructure and economic empowerment. Between 2022 and 2024, 121 companies accessed K13.5 million through CDF loans, boosting small‑scale businesses across the city. The number of participants in CDF programmes grew significantly from 38,000 in 2021 to 98,000 in 2024, with an increase in female participation. CDF utilization reached 57% as of 2024.
A signature infrastructure achievement is the rehabilitation of Chisakano Road in Chifubu Constituency—a transformative project valued at K2.9 million that has eased congestion, enhanced the movement of goods and services, and strengthened linkages within Ndola District. For traders operating around the Chifubu Market, the improved road is not only boosting foot traffic but also reducing transportation costs, making their businesses more viable and sustainable.
The Ndola City Council has also floated tenders for further road rehabilitation in Nkwazi Ward under the Ndola Central Constituency CDF, as well as for the construction of an ablution block at Mapalo Clinic. In 2025, the council planned to spend over K144 million on CDF community projects, empowerment loans, and grants.
Chingola District: Road Upgrades and Oversight Excellence
Chingola District has benefited from intensified oversight of CDF projects by the Copperbelt Provincial Delivery Unit (PDU), which has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that government‑funded initiatives deliver tangible benefits to communities. Projects under implementation include the upgrading of feeder roads, construction of school facilities, improvement of hospital drug supplies, and the drilling of boreholes to enhance water access in key institutions.
In 2025, 26 tents were purchased under the CDF for community use, and solar kits were installed in Nchanga Constituency. Chingola Municipal Council floated a tender for grading and graveling of Chimbotela Road in Nchanga Constituency under the CDF. The PDU has stepped up its oversight to safeguard quality and timely delivery of all CDF projects in the district.
Mufulira District: Community Infrastructure on the Rise
Mufulira District has seen a flurry of community‑focused CDF projects. The construction of Buteko Clinic in Mufulira District, with an investment of K1.9 million sourced from the CDF, is providing much‑needed healthcare access to the community. Kawama West Market, funded by the 2023 CDF at a total cost of K1.3 million, has neared completion and will be the first market of its kind in the ward.
Residents of Chikalabwamba celebrated the construction of a new bus station and public toilet funded by the 2023 CDF at a total cost of K190,000 for the bus station and K320,000 for the toilets. In 2023, Mufulira Council received earth‑moving equipment valued at over K14.6 million, procured through a collective effort by the three constituencies in the district using their 2022 CDF community project allocation.
Luanshya District: Grants, Loans, and Infrastructure Rollout
Luanshya District has balanced infrastructure development with robust economic empowerment. In 2024, the council successfully implemented nine CDF community projects in Luanshya Central Constituency and seven in Roan Constituency, all successfully handed over to beneficiaries. These included the procurement of double‑seater desks phase two at a cost of K6 million. In March 2024, Luanshya Municipal Council disbursed over K5 million as grants and loans to over 130 groups in Roan under the 2024 CDF. In 2023, the government launched the K5.4 million CDF financial revolving loans and grants for Luanshya Constituency, benefiting 84 different groups.
The Luanshya Central CDF committee released a total K6,121,640.34 to finance the training of 260 local youths under the 2025 Skills Development and Secondary Boarding Schools bursaries. In 2022, Luanshya Central Constituency empowered 120 cooperatives with K2.9 million in CDF grants. As of March 2026, a total of 14 CDF‑funded projects in both Luanshya and Roan constituencies have been completed, with preparations for their launch underway.
Kalulushi District: Water Security, Health Equipment, and Bridge Construction
Kalulushi District has made significant strides in addressing long‑standing water challenges. In January 2026, solar‑powered water reticulation systems were installed by Kalulushi Municipal Council, solving water problems for communities. Kalulushi General Hospital received a modern laundry machine, dryer, and autoclave procured under the 2025 CDF community project component.
The construction of the Kabas Bridge in Lulamba Ward under the 2025 CDF is a 20‑week project expected to be completed by November 2025, marking a key milestone in ensuring that CDF funds directly improve community lives. Kalulushi Constituency also received approval for 19 community projects under the 2025 CDF, including the construction of a Mother and Child Health shelter at Kalulushi Urban Clinic. The Presidential Delivery Unit conducted monitoring and evaluation exercises to ensure CDF projects achieve at least 80% implementation by 2026, in line with the Presidential directive. As one PF MP remarked, “Kalulushi is changing before our eyes. We have new classrooms, renovated clinics, and young people being equipped with real skills”.
Chililabombwe District: Markets, Roads, and Maternal Health
Chililabombwe District has delivered a range of impactful CDF projects. Over 60 traders are benefiting from a newly constructed market shelter in Kamenza Ward, funded through the 2024 CDF, which also includes a modern ablution block. Another market facility is under construction in Nakatindi Ward using 2025 CDF funding. The district flagged off the construction of 20 kilometers of gravel roads in selected wards at a sum of K446,000, alongside pothole patching and other road maintenance works.
The district is also addressing maternal health challenges. A health post in James Phiri Ward, funded under 2022 CDF, has reached 98% completion, while a maternity wing under 2023 CDF allocation in Chitambi Ward is at 40% construction. In March 2025, the district commissioned six CDF projects at K2,338,449.52, including a newly constructed maternity annex. The council has implemented and commissioned all completed 2022, 2023, and 2024 CDF projects, with notable 2025 ongoing projects.
Lufwanyama District: Bridging the Gap
Lufwanyama District has seen significant CDF‑driven development. The government commissioned the newly constructed Mukumbo Bridge in Lufwanyama District, providing critical connectivity for remote communities. In May 2025, the official launch of the grading of feeder roads under the CDF marked a significant milestone, expected to significantly improve transportation networks and enhance economic activities.
The Lufwanyama Town Council signed five contracts valued at over K3,077,426 under the 2025 CDF, including solar installation at Lufwanyama Hospital. The council also procured a brand‑new low‑bed and motor grader under the 2024 CDF to boost road maintenance capacity. The town council held engagement meetings to educate 59 grant beneficiaries under the 2025 CDF, marking a significant step in empowering local communities and fostering inclusive development.
Masaiti District: Road Networks and Community Grants
Masaiti District has prioritized road infrastructure. A road network of 57.5 kilometers has been earmarked for upgrade in both Masaiti and Kafulafuta Constituencies by the end of 2025. The Masaiti Town Council approved a K156 million budget for 2026, which includes the CDF and Cash for Work initiative. A tender was issued for the construction of Nkulumashiba Culvert Bridge under the CDF.
Community‑level empowerment is also bearing fruit. Kapyunga Women’s Club, which benefited from a 2023 grant of K13,000 for goat rearing, has grown its initial 7 goats to 28 in just 23 months. In May 2025, Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo handed over five earth‑moving machines procured under the CDF in Masaiti District, marking a significant step toward improving the region’s road network.
Mpongwe District: First‑Ever Roller Compactor Transforms Road Rehabilitation
Mpongwe District has achieved a landmark development with the receipt of its first‑ever roller compactor funded under the CDF—a strategic asset that will dramatically enhance the district’s road rehabilitation capacity. The compactor positions Mpongwe to reduce project turnaround time, cut external hiring costs, and improve road quality across communities. The local authority has set aside funds amounting to K3,100,000 under the 2024 CDF for road works across the district.
Economic Empowerment: Grants, Loans, and Skills Development Across the Province
Beyond infrastructure, the CDF has been a catalyst for economic empowerment and skills development across the Copperbelt Province. The CDF has addressed longstanding grassroots challenges by funding practical, community‑driven projects that have improved the living conditions of the people in the province.
The Kitwe City Council has disbursed over K67 million to 792 SMEs since 2022. In Ndola, 121 companies accessed K13.5 million through CDF loans between 2022 and 2024. Luanshya disbursed over K5 million as grants and loans to over 130 groups under the 2024 CDF, launched a K5.4 million CDF financial revolving loans and grants for Luanshya Constituency, and empowered 120 cooperatives with K2.9 million in CDF grants in 2022. Mpongwe financed SMEs with loans totaling K2.9 million.
The skills development component has been equally transformative. In Kitwe, 2,115 students and pupils were sponsored for secondary school bursaries and skills training at a cost of K31,124,904.68 under the 2024 CDF allocation. The number of participants in CDF programmes in Ndola grew from 38,000 in 2021 to 98,000 in 2024. The government has allocated 20% of CDF funds to youth and women empowerment and 20% to secondary school and skills development bursaries.
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.
- Chingola District: The PDU continues to oversee the upgrading of feeder roads, construction of school facilities, improvement of hospital drug supplies, and drilling of boreholes. A tender for grading and graveling of Chimbotela Road has been floated.
- Mufulira District: The construction of Buteko Clinic (K1.9 million) and Kawama West Market (K1.3 million) is ongoing, alongside the sensitization of CDF through road shows under the theme “CDF for all leaving no one behind”.
- Kalulushi District: The Kabaso Bridge construction is progressing, with completion expected by November 2025. A tender for the construction of Kabaso Bridge in Lulamba Ward has been issued under the 2025 CDF.
- Chililabombwe District: Another market facility is under construction in Nakatindi Ward using 2025 CDF funding. The maternity wing in Chitambi Ward is at 40% construction.
- Lufwanyama District: Feeder road grading is ongoing under the CDF, and five contracts worth over K3 million have been signed, including solar installation at Lufwanyama Hospital.
- Masaiti District: A road network of 57.5 kilometers is earmarked for upgrade by the end of 2025. The construction of Nkulumashiba Culvert Bridge is under tender.
- Kitwe District: In 2025, the council signed 19 CDF contracts valued at K7,143,954.32. A list of 38 contracts signed includes installation of solar flood lights in Nkana Constituency.
- Ndola District: The Ndola City Council has floated tenders for road rehabilitation in Nkwazi Ward and construction of an ablution block at Mapalo Clinic.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the overwhelming successes, the CDF implementation has faced challenges. A monitoring report revealed that K1,505,360 in empowerment grants was misappropriated by 63 beneficiaries who used the funds for personal activities. Some councils have experienced delays in project completion and the misapplication of funds. 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.
The Presidential Delivery Unit has set a target of achieving at least 80% implementation of CDF projects by 2026 across the Copperbelt. The government has released a total of K5,256,739,654.71 in CDF funding for 2025, representing 94 percent of allocations disbursed to local authorities.
The trajectory remains overwhelmingly positive. With the 2026 allocation now set at K40 million per constituency, Copperbelt Province is poised to build on its momentum. As Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo has noted, nobody should be considered to be impeding the government’s development agenda through the CDF.
Conclusion
From 2021 to 2026, the Constituency Development Fund has rewritten the development story of Copperbelt 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 equipment, constructing markets and bus stations, and empowering thousands of entrepreneurs with loans and grants.
The evidence is clear: across Kitwe, Ndola, Chingola, Mufulira, Luanshya, Kalulushi, Chililabombwe, Lufwanyama, Masaiti, and Mpongwe, 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 Copperbelt Province.