Data Management and Governance Plan for the Implementation of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Electrification Projects in Zambia

Rural electrification plays a critical role in improving service delivery, economic productivity, and social development in Zambia. Under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Local Authorities are mandated to implement electrification projects across all constituencies. While this decentralised approach promotes local ownership, it has also resulted in fragmented data management, inconsistent reporting practices, limited project visibility, and weak coordination across institutions. The purpose of this Data Management and Governance Plan is to establish a structured, standardised, and digitally enabled framework for managing data related to CDF-funded electrification projects throughout the project lifecycle. The Plan assesses existing data management practices and proposes a centralised governance model anchored at the Rural Electrification Authority, integrated with the SMART Zambia CDF Dashboard and supported by geospatially enabled systems. Key findings indicate that reliance on manual and uncoordinated data processes undermines data quality, traceability, and effective monitoring. The Plan demonstrates that the adoption of standardised data collection tools, clear institutional roles, and governed digital workflows can significantly improve transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making. It is recommended that the framework be implemented in a phased manner, supported by sustained capacity building, dedicated operational funding, and alignment with national digital governance standards. Full implementation of this Plan will enhance coordination, improve oversight, and maximise the developmental impact of CDF electrification investments in Zambia