ZAMBIA – On 10 April 2026, on the sidelines of the Law Association of Zambia's Bar-Bench Conference in Livingstone, the Chandler Institute of Justice (CIJ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Judiciary of Zambia, giving formal shape to a collaboration that has been growing in substance since 2024.

Where It Began

CIJ's relationship with the Judiciary of Zambia took root through the Foundational Legislative Drafting Training Programme, held from 25 November to 6 December 2024 in Lusaka. The two-week programme brought together thirty-eight government lawyers from key institutions including the Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, the National Prosecution Authority, the Energy Regulation Board, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Public Private Partnership Office in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and the Zambia Law Development Commission. That programme was the beginning of something larger: a shared recognition that building institutional capacity in Zambia's justice sector requires sustained, structured partnership rather than one-off engagements.

What This MoU Formalises

The MoU between CIJ and the Judiciary of Zambia, one of the three arms of Government established under the Constitution of Zambia provides a framework for a long-term strategic partnership to strengthen the administration of justice and support judicial reform.

The partnership is anchored on three core areas of collaboration. On law reform, CIJ will provide technical expertise and advisory support to strengthen legal frameworks, improve judicial processes, and contribute to the development of a more effective justice system. On capacity building, the parties will jointly design and deliver specialised training programmes for judges, judicial officers, court administrators, and other justice sector stakeholders to enhance institutional capacity and professional excellence. On legal knowledge exchange, the partners will facilitate the sharing of expertise, best practices, research, and knowledge products to promote innovation and improve the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of justice delivery in Zambia.

The MoU reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing the rule of law, strengthening judicial independence and institutional capacity, and expanding access to justice. It is founded on the recognition that sustainable justice sector reform is achieved through integrity, collaboration, and the effective integration of complementary expertise in pursuit of a more responsive and resilient justice system for all Zambians.

A Relationship Built on Trust

What makes the MoU with the Judiciary of Zambia particularly meaningful is that it formalises a relationship that has been built over the past two years through practical collaboration, shared purpose, and mutual respect. Throughout this period, CIJ has had the privilege of working alongside the Judiciary and other justice sector institutions to support law reform, judicial capacity building, and institutional strengthening.

The decision by the Judiciary of Zambia to formalise this partnership is a significant expression of confidence one that we receive with deep appreciation and a strong sense of responsibility.

This MoU does not create a partnership; it affirms one that has already been built through shared values, demonstrated commitment, and sustained collaboration. We are proud to continue that journey together.