Zambia's new financial system transforms school funding transparency
Zambia's Ministry of Education has begun rolling out the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) across 29 districts. The move aims to boost financial transparency and accountability in schools. Officials describe the initiative as a key step in modernising financial governance. The system was first introduced in 2023 at the provincial level, covering 10 Provincial Education Offices and 13 Colleges of Education. Now, the expansion connects district-level institutions directly to the Ministry of Finance. This allows real-time cash management and speeds up fund disbursements.
The current phase targets 71 secondary schools in Northern, Copperbelt, Southern, and Lusaka provinces. To support the rollout, the government has supplied 71 computers, 60 scanners, and 45 printers to participating schools. IFMIS combines budgeting, accounting, procurement, and reporting into one platform, streamlining financial operations.
Permanent Secretary for Administration, Noriana Muneku, called the initiative a milestone in strengthening fiscal discipline. The project aligns with Zambia's Public Finance Management Act of 2018 and its wider public financial management reform strategy. The expansion reflects the government's push to improve institutional accountability in education. By integrating financial processes, IFMIS is expected to enhance efficiency and oversight. The system now covers 29 districts across all ten provinces, marking a significant step in financial management reform.
