From 2004 to 2012, Zambia experienced acombination of good economic policies and high rates ofgrowth not seen since the early years after itsindependence. While growth was mainly driven by risingcopper prices, other factors contributed to Zambia’s abilityto take advantage of this growth. The international debtrelief programs in 2004-2005 almost eliminated public debtand provided the fiscal space for selective, high-priorityinvestments and expanded social programs. The privatizationof the copper mines brought new investment in rehabilitationand expansion of production. The period also saw asubstantial expansion of primary education and progress indealing with the most pervasive public health problems.These positive developments set the stage for Zambia totackle its pervasive poverty. In practice, however,sustained growth over the period has led to little povertyreduction, especially in rural areas of the country. TheBank Group and other donors provided critical support at thebeginning of the evaluation period, when Zambia’s debt levelbecame unsustainable. The Bank provided substantial supportfor capacity development and better functioninginstitutions. The Bank’s efforts to strengthen publicadministration and improve governance met with some partialsuccesses in enhanced audit and procurement capacity, andthe achievement of Extractive Industries TransparencyInitiative compliance. However, despite nearly a decade ofimplementation, the Integrated Financial ManagementInformation Systems (IFMIS), is still only partiallyoperational. Further, the Zambian government has notfollowed through on its positive discourse regardingdecentralization of government authority.
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