Bill Delay Wins CSO Praise

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Civil society sees opportunity for genuine dialogue.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24, (Aug. 21, 2025) – The Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation (ADEG) has welcomed government’s decision to defer the NGO Bill No.6 to allow for broader consultations, describing it as a positive step for civic space in Zambia.

The announcement was made by Community Development and Social Services Minister Doreen Mwamba, who said further engagement with stakeholders was necessary before the Bill is re-tabled.

ADEG Executive Director Gideon Musonda said the move showed government was listening to concerns raised by civil society.

“This is a positive step towards ensuring that the eventual law reflects the aspirations of the people and strengthens civic space in Zambia,” Musonda said.

He urged that the consultation process be transparent and inclusive, ensuring that grassroots organizations are heard alongside larger NGOs. 

He also called on government to respect stakeholders’ submissions to avoid repeating mistakes of past legislative processes.

Musonda reaffirmed ADEG’s commitment to contributing proposals that align with constitutional principles and international human rights standards.

“We remain committed to constructive engagement with government and all partners to secure an enabling environment where civil society can thrive,” he said.

The deferment follows weeks of debate among civil society over how best to regulate the NGO sector without undermining freedoms of association and expression.

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