The National Assembly of Zambia today, 20th November 2025, held an important capacity-building training on Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS), bringing together Honourable Members and key parliamentary staff in a collaborative effort to strengthen Parliament’s oversight function.
The training was officially opened by the Deputy Clerk for Corporate Affairs (DCCA), Mrs. Cecilia Sikatele Mambwe who represented the Right Honourable Speaker.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Mambwe said that Parliament’s mandate extends beyond passing laws. She noted that ensuring laws are effectively implemented and improving the lives of citizen is central to the legislative mission.
She explained that post-legislative scrutiny provides the crucial link between the enactment of legislation and its real-world impact.
The one-day training brought together fifteen participants including: Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff from various departments.
Mrs. Mambwe highlighted the National Assembly’s ongoing partnership with the Scottish Parliament, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), the Centre for Innovation and Development (CIDE), and the Institute for Parliamentary Studies and Training (iPST).
Mrs. Mambwe expressed gratitude to all partners for their continued support in building institutional capacity in many areas including post legislative scrutiny.
She also acknowledged the prospective Memorandum of Understanding between the iPST and the West Minister Foundation, which is expected to further formalise and strengthen this collaboration.
Mrs. Mambwe noted that 2024 marked a significant milestone when the National Assembly formally integrated post legislative scrutiny into the work of the Committee on Delegated Legislation and International Agreements.
She described the initiative as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at positioning the National Assembly of Zambia among modern legislatures that systematically evaluate how laws are implemented and whether they achieve their intended outcomes.
Mrs Mambwe said that by institutionalising post legislative scrutiny, Parliament reinforces its commitment to accountability, transparency, and citizen-focused governance.
