ABOUT THE PDU

The Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) was established in March 2023 by President Hakainde Hichilema to accelerate the delivery of government priorities and ensure that citizens experience real, measurable improvements in their daily lives. Inspired by global best practices, the Unit provides a disciplined, results-oriented approach to breaking systemic barriers and driving change. 

At its core, the PDU turns political ambition into tangible outcomes. Its work is supported by three pillars:

  1. Leadership – mobilising high-level governance commitment to focus on results.

  2. Institutional Structures – deploying authority to disrupt bureaucracy and create accountability.

  3. Processes and Tools – using data to monitor, prioritise, and problem-solve in real time.

The Unit’s vision is to transform Zambia through the effective and efficient delivery of government programmes and services. Its mission is to act as a catalyst for implementing presidential initiatives that improve the living standards of Zambians.

How does Pdu work?

  • 1.     Strengthening performance tracking and monitoring of presidential priorities.

    2.     Improving data systems and analysis for evidence-based decision-making.

    3.     Promoting accountability and results across government.

    4.     Enhancing inter-ministerial coordination and collaboration.

    5.     Advising senior government leaders on delivery challenges.

    6.     Communicating progress and achievements effectively to the public.

    Building capacity within implementing ministries, provinces, and agencies

  • The PDU focuses on a smaller set of high-impact national priorities, including:

    1.     Unlocking $1 billion in livestock exports by 2026.

    2.     Expanding irrigation to produce 1.65 million tonnes of maize by 2026.

    3.     Sustaining equitable access to essential medicines.

    4.     Strengthening evidence-led implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

    5.     Accelerating the delivery of 1,000 MW of solar power and expanding energy access.

    6.     Driving digital inclusion for 800,000 Zambians and rolling out digital identity.

    7.     Enhancing efficient and equitable revenue collection.

  • The PDU operates under the direct leadership of the President, supported by a Delivery Coalition comprising senior officials such as the Secretary to the Cabinet Secretary to the Treasury and the Attorney General.

    The PDU’s lean team, led by the Head-PDU and a Deputy, is comprised of Delivery Managers and Specialists covering key sectors including agriculture, livestock, mining, CDF, energy, digital inclusion, and health, grouped into four priority areas: Efficient Value Chains, Enhanced Public Services, Project Delivery and Technology and Innovation.

    Cross-cutting expertise in Monitoring and Evaluation, Communications and Outreach, and Administration and Operations strengthens delivery routines.

  • The Unit drives delivery through structured routines, including weekly check-ins with ministries, monthly deep-dive sessions with Permanent Secretaries and Ministers, bi-monthly Delivery Coalition meetings, and quarterly Presidential stocktakes. These mechanisms ensure accountability, unblock bottlenecks, and maintain urgency in achieving outcomes.

    Ultimately, the Presidential Delivery Unit represents a new way of governing, one that prioritises results, accountability, and citizen impact, with rigorous strategic communication to ensure that delivery progress is visible, trusted, and felt by every Zambian household.

OUR LEADERSHIP

  • HEAD OF THE PDU

    Kuso Kamwambi was appointed head of the Presidential Delivery Unit by President Hichilema in March 2023. She has been the Permanent Secretary in charge of the Management Development Division at the Cabinet Office since December 2021 and prior to that worked as a Human Capital Manager at the Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank.

    Kuso has a wealth of experience across both the private and public sectors, including at the Bank of Zambia, the Road Transport and Safety Agency, and the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.

    Kuso holds a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources from Copperbelt University.

  • DELIVERY MANAGER - ENHANCED VALUE CHAINS

    Mulunga Jones Shimbela is a Governance & Economic Policy Expert With over 15 years of combined practical experience in banking, energy, and public service. He is a highly motivated individual with skills in strategic planning, negotiation, risk management, relationship management and is dedicated to creating positive community activities, enhancing business and economic activity, and advocating for good governance.

    As Delivery Manager for Enhanced Value Chains, his role works to enhance governance and economic outcomes in agriculture and Livestock. Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics & Finance from the University of Lusaka and currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Economics and Finance.

  • DELIVERY MANAGER - PROJECTS DELIVERY

    Cuthbert Munankwenka is leading Presidential delivery targets in Energy, Infrastructure and Trade Facilitation.

    With a Consulting Engineering background, he has previously lead project delivery teams in Energy, Rail, Highway, Airports and Border Terminal Developments. He is Fellow of the Engineering Institution of Zambia (FEIZ), Professional Member of the Engineering Institution of Zimbabwe (ZIE) and a Professional Member of the Botswana Engineer’s Registration Board (ERB).

    Cuthbert has a career spanning over 19 years in Design, Feasibility Planning, Contract Management, Project Structuring, and Construction Supervision of infrastructure assets.

    He has held senior engineering roles locally and abroad having worked for Zulu Burrow Consulting (Zambia), Electricite De France (EDF) (United Kingdom), AFRY (formerly PÖRY of Switzerland) and Africana Finance and Investments Limited (South Africa).

  • DELIVERY MANAGER - TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

    Mupota is an information technology professional with experience spanning over 100 projects. His expertise encompasses enterprise resource planning, analytics, and supply chain management. He has worked across diverse regions, including Zambia, South Africa, and Australia.

    In his role as the Delivery Manager for Technology and Innovation at the Presidential Delivery Unit, Mupota oversees program management, focusing on granting Zambian citizens equal online access to opportunities and resources. His pivotal contribution is accelerating the digital inclusion program, which aims to bridge the divide between individuals who have access to information technology and those who don't.

    Presently, Mupota is leading efforts in both the public and private sectors to extend affordable, reliable high-speed internet to 80% of the population. Additionally, he is overseeing the transition of the legacy national civil registration system, established in 1965, to a modern digital ID framework, ensuring a seamless and secure update to this critical national infrastructure.