Effective legislative advocacy is critical for advancing the interests of civil society and ensuring that policies and laws reflect the needs of the people. At ZCSD, we have a long history of engaging in legislative advocacy, working with government agencies, lawmakers, and civil society actors to push for policies that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.

Our Lifeline Zambia Project focused on engaging CSOs in the development of a new NGO law, analyzing the 2009 NGO Act, and identifying areas for improvement. Through online stakeholder consultations, we solicited views from various sectors, including the SADC Council of NGOs, to develop a comprehensive framework for NGO regulation that guarantees civic space and empowers CSOs to operate independently.

Moreover, our advocacy efforts have extended to issues such as money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations, ensuring that these policies do not unfairly restrict the activities of CSOs. Our workshops on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) regulations have been instrumental in educating CSOs on their obligations while advocating for a regulatory environment that allows civil society to thrive.

At ZCSD, we believe that legislative advocacy is an ongoing process. We will continue to engage with policymakers, development partners, and other stakeholders to push for laws and policies that promote an enabling environment for civil society, ensuring that our collective voice is heard in the corridors of power.