Zambia : Govt. Launches National Legal Aid Policy 2026

Government has launched the National Policy on Legal Aid Services 2026 and its Implementation Plan, a landmark framework aimed at expanding access to justice and ensuring that legal aid services are accessible, affordable and responsive to the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens across the country.

Speaking during the launch, Attorney General, Mulilo Kabesha, said the policy marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s continued efforts to build a justice system that is more accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable.

He added that the policy targets nationwide legal aid coverage by 2030 through the establishment of Legal Aid Board offices in all 116 districts, increased legal aid desks in police stations and correctional facilities, circuit legal aid clinics and stronger partnerships with civil society organisations, university law clinics, traditional leaders and community paralegals.

“The true success of this policy will not be measured by the documents we launch today, but by the lives it changes,” Mr Kabesha said.

The Attorney General further highlighted that the government has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening legal aid by increasing funding to the Legal Aid Board from approximately K19 Million in 2021 to more than K101 Million in 2026, a move that has enabled the expansion of Legal Aid Board offices from 12 to 31 districts.

“Justice must never depend on one’s income, social status or geographical location. Every Zambian deserves the opportunity to understand their rights, seek legal protection and receive a fair hearing before the courts,” Mr Kabesha said.

And Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary for Legal Affairs, Mwenya Bwalya, said the policy provides a comprehensive framework for expanding legal aid services and reaffirmed government’s commitment to removing barriers that have prevented many citizens from accessing justice.

Ms Bwalya commended the technical working group and stakeholders whose extensive consultations and expertise culminated in the development of the policy.

Meanwhile, Legal Aid Board Director, Humphrey Mweemba, described the policy as a major milestone in government’s efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable legal aid system.

Mr Mweemba said the Board plans to expand legal aid services to all 116 districts while increasing legal aid desks at police stations, correctional facilities and within communities.

The Paralegal Alliance Network Executive Director, Philip Sabuni, said the policy recognises the critical role of civil society organisations, community paralegals and university law clinics in bridging the justice gap, particularly in underserved communities.

“The state alone cannot achieve widespread coverage,” he said, calling for sustainable financing and stronger collaboration with accredited non-state legal aid providers.

On the other hand, GIZ EnACT Head of Programme, Promita Sengupta, reaffirmed the German government’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s justice sector, saying strengthened partnerships between the government and community-based legal aid providers would help deliver timely, affordable and people-centred legal services.

“Justice should reach communities early so that problems do not grow into prolonged and costly injustice,” she said.

Meanwhile, European Union Head of Governance and Social Sector, Bogdan Stefanescu, reaffirmed the European Union’s support for Zambia’s legal aid reforms, saying the long-term sustainability of legal aid services depends on embedding the reforms within national laws, policies and development frameworks.

Mr Stefanescu expressed optimism that the policy would strengthen access to justice and improve legal service delivery across the country.

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