ZICA Urged: Develop Program to Train MPs for CDF Accountability

• Professor Pinalo Chifwanakeni urged ZICA to create a three-month training program for MPs, Mayors, and Councillors.
• The proposed training aims to strengthen accountability in the management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
• Currently, there is no structured financial management training for newly elected leaders despite their CDF oversight role.
• Both Professor Chifwanakeni and ZICA President Joseph Matimba emphasized the evolving role of accountants as strategic advisors and champions of good governance.
• ZICA reaffirmed its commitment to member empowerment and alignment with national development priorities, including strengthening accountability and efficient resource utilization.

This direct call for ZICA to train MPs on CDF accountability aims to address current oversight challenges.

A prominent educationist, accountant, and governance expert, Professor Pinalo Chifwanakeni, has urged the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) to develop a specialized three-month training program. This initiative aims to bolster accountability in the management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) among elected officials. The proposed curriculum is specifically designed for Members of Parliament (MPs), Mayors, and Councillors, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills for effective public resource stewardship.

Professor Chifwanakeni, who also serves as the Founder and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lusaka, made this significant call while acting as the guest of honour at ZICA's 20th Graduation Ceremony, held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. He highlighted a critical gap in the current system, noting the absence of a structured financial management training program for newly elected leaders. This deficiency exists despite their crucial oversight responsibilities in implementing community development projects funded through the CDF.

He underscored that the proposed program would enable these elected officials to fully grasp their responsibilities in accounting for CDF utilization. Emphasizing the fundamental principle that CDF resources are public funds belonging to the citizens, Professor Chifwanakeni stressed the imperative for transparent and responsible management of these vital resources. This direct call for ZICA to train MPs on CDF accountability aims to address current oversight challenges.

Beyond the immediate need for enhanced financial literacy among public officials, Professor Chifwanakeni also articulated a broader vision for the accounting profession. He described modern accountants as far more than mere custodians of financial records; rather, they are strategic advisors, risk managers, innovators, and champions of robust governance practices. This evolving role positions accounting professionals as critical enablers for organizations to make informed decisions, cultivate sustainable value, and foster confidence among investors, governmental bodies, and the general public.

Addressing the graduating class, Professor Chifwanakeni urged them to leverage their professional expertise for the advancement of national development. He outlined several key areas where their skills could make a substantial impact, including strengthening businesses, improving public financial management, promoting entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities, and ultimately supporting economic growth across Zambia. He further emphasized Zambia's need for professionals capable of enhancing institutional efficiency, transparency, and resilience in the face of contemporary challenges.

Echoing Professor Chifwanakeni's sentiments, ZICA President Joseph Matimba affirmed that the accounting profession's scope has expanded significantly beyond traditional financial reporting functions. Mr. Matimba highlighted that accountants are increasingly expected to serve as strategic advisors, ethical gatekeepers, and advocates for sustainable value creation, not just for individual organizations but for communities and the nation as a whole. He encouraged professionals to look beyond mere financial figures and consider the broader societal impact of their work.

Mr. Matimba stressed that integrating sustainability into everyday business practices is crucial for building public confidence, strengthening institutions, and contributing meaningfully to national development. As ZICA commemorates its 20-year milestone, he reaffirmed the Institute’s unwavering commitment to empowering its members through continuous professional development, digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and advocacy for sustainability and integrated reporting. ZICA remains steadfastly aligned with Zambia's national priorities, including the Eighth National Development Plan, Vision 2030, and the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as ongoing efforts to enhance governance, accountability, fiscal sustainability, and efficient resource utilization.

This article signals a potential future increase in scrutiny and demand for enhanced financial accountability in the management of Zambia's Constituency Development Fund (CDF) by elected officials. Lawyers and compliance officers advising entities involved in CDF-funded projects should anticipate stricter oversight and potential new compliance requirements, and proactively review their clients' internal controls and reporting mechanisms related to public resource utilization.

Source: Original reporting via ZNBC News