Speaker launches Public Finance Management Handbook, unveils Parliamentary Budget Office

Speaker of the National Assembly right honourable Ms Nelly B K Mutti, MP, FAPRA, has launched the Public Finance Management (PFM) Handbook and officially unveiled the Parliamentary Budget Office.

Speaking during the official launch held in the Amphitheatre at Parliament Buildings on 14th November 2023, Ms. Mutti expressed gratitude to the cooperating partners for the support rendered to the National Assembly of Zambia.

The Speaker said that the National Assembly of Zambia has been implementing reforms to enhance its constitutional mandate of representation, legislating and oversight for slightly over two decades which included the area of public financial management oversight.

She said that the publication of the PFM Handbook and the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office or PBO are some of the initiatives that the European Union (EU) has supported.

“Some of the reforms meant to enhance the PFM oversight function of the Assembly have been supported by cooperating partners. The European Union (EU) is one such partner. The publication of the PFM Handbook and the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office or PBO are some of the initiatives that the EU has supported.” Said the Speaker. 

Ms. Mutti said that the Handbook will be a toolkit for Members of Parliament and staff of the National Assembly as it will also serve as a self-training manual for Members of Parliament and staff of the National Assembly on issues relevant to their specific functions.

She said it was anticipated that the Handbook will effectively contribute towards enhancing democratic governance of our country for sustainable development.

The Handbook is aimed at providing Members of Parliament and staff of the National Assembly with a general introduction to the concepts of Public Financial Management and good financial governance, and guidance on the role and responsibilities of the National Assembly throughout the budget cycle.

The Handbook explains how the various components of Public Finance Management work in a Zambian or international context as deemed relevant, and ways and means of making Public Finance Management work better and more effectively.

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