CDF Mid-Year Milestone: 63% Performance Rate Delivers on Development Promises
President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration has demonstrated unprecedented commitment to community development through substantial investment increases in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). CDF funding increased to K5.6 billion in 2025, up from K4.8 billion in 2024. This expansion reflects the New Dawn government’s dedication to ensuring development reaches every corner of Zambia.
The latest mid-year 2025 results showcase this transformative investment. As of June 2025, Zambia has achieved a 63% utilization rate against disbursements, with ZMK 1.2 billion actively deployed from the ZMK 2.27 billion disbursed to local authorities across all ten provinces.
Empowering Communities Through Multiple Pathways
The CDF’s expanded reach has enabled remarkable achievements across its four key components. Community projects have garnered exceptional support with a 97% approval rate, creating over 2,803 approved projects worthy ZMK 2.6 billion. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the infrastructure gaps that have hindered rural development for decades.
The empowerment programs showcase the fund’s direct impact on entrepreneurship and economic opportunity. With 87% approval rates, grants are supporting 14,131 beneficiaries, channelling ZMK 155 million directly into community hands at a 47% utilization rate. The loans component builds sustainable foundations for long-term economic development among 2,967 beneficiaries.
Education remains a cornerstone of the CDF's transformative impact. The bursary program demonstrates consistent excellence, supporting an impressive 90,355 students across secondary boarding and skills development programs with 89% approval rates and steady 51% utilization.
Midway through 2025, more than 60% of CDF funds have been utilised for projects like maternity annexes, community projects, and school bursaries.
Provincial Excellence and National Momentum
Provincial performance across Zambia tells an encouraging story of collective progress. Muchinga Province leads with an excellent 76% utilization rate, followed closely by Copperbelt Province at 73%. Eastern Province also demonstrates strong performance at 73%, showcasing how effective CDF implementation can succeed across diverse economic contexts.
The latest results see ten districts achieving exceptional performance, with Lufwanyama, Mafinga, and Luampa each reaching impressive 97% utilization rates. These districts exemplify what's possible when enhanced funding meets effective local leadership and community engagement.
Building Sustainable Success and Future Growth
So far 9,992 community projects have been implemented under CDF since 2022, demonstrating the program's vast scale and impact. The infrastructure development component shows enormous potential, with K500 million invested in roads delivering 860.3km towards the planned 7,100km of improved rural connectivity.
President Hichilema's sustained investment in the CDF reflects his government’s dedication to promoting equitable national development. By increasing CDF allocations and ensuring disbursement to all 156 constituencies nationwide, the administration has taken development to the doorstep of the people, ensuring no community is left behind.
The transformation is evident nationwide, with communities across Zambia investing in infrastructure and opportunities. This represents the largest community development investment in Zambia’s history, positioning the CDF as a driver for grassroots transformation and sustainable progress across all provinces.