FES Zambia

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung opened its first representation in Zambia in the mid-sixties, shortly after independence. Civic education, research in socio-economic matters, support of trade unions, small scale industries and democratic organisations were the areas of operation. Despite Zambia's positive developments, many challenges still remain.

Today, the work of FES in Zambia is focused on democratic statehood, political participation and social justice. Believing in a principal functioning of Zambian democracy, we think that the major deficit of this democracy is the lack of checks and balances. Vices in the political system, like corruption and misuse of public funds, the failing of implementation of important policies and programs, the instability of political parties etc., result from an executive, which is not properly monitored and controlled in its activities.

The FES works together with various socio political actors – governmental, civil society and international institutions - in order to engage in the further development of the democratic standards and to promote a socially just economic and social policy.

FES Zambia is currently working on the following programmes:

• Country Programme Zambia
• SADC Programme Social Compact and Social Justice
• Youth Leadership Development Programme (YLDP)