USAID/AGIS Y4 Quarter 2 Report (January 1 – March 31, 2021)

The project is implemented by Crown Agents USA and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project's objective is to enhance the capacity of the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) to deliver public services effectively and efficiently. The project's activity implementation progress is reported in the quarterly progress report. Central-level activities include the development of a Public Financial Management (PFM) strategy, which aims to improve the GRZ's financial management systems. The strategy focuses on the implementation of Activity-Based Budgeting (ABB) and Output-Based Budgeting (OBB) to enhance transparency and accountability in the budgeting process. Subnational level activities involve the implementation of District Capacity Development Plans (DCDPs) in 10 districts across Zambia. The DCDPs aim to enhance the capacity of local authorities to deliver public services effectively. The project has also established a Cluster Advisory Group (CAG) to provide technical support to the districts. The project has made significant progress in integrating crosscutting issues and USAID forward priorities. The project has developed a Gender Integration Strategy (GIS) to ensure that gender equality and social inclusion are integrated into all project activities. The project has also established a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system to track progress and identify areas for improvement. The project has also made progress in management and administrative issues. The project has established a Management Monitoring System (MMS) to track project performance and identify areas for improvement. The project has also developed a Management Action Plan (MAP) to address any challenges that may arise during project implementation. The project has achieved several key results, including the development of a PFM strategy, the implementation of DCDPs in 10 districts, and the establishment of a CAG. The project has also trained 150 government officials in PFM and has provided technical support to the districts. The project's financial management is reported in the quarterly progress report. The project has obligated $6,383,363 as of March 31, 2021, and has expended $5,712,729. The project has a pipeline balance of $670,534. The project has also made progress in key lessons learned and planned activities for the next quarters. The project has identified several lessons learned, including the importance of engaging with local stakeholders and the need for a robust MEL system. The project has also planned several activities for the next quarters, including the implementation of a Transformation Action Plan (TAP) to enhance the capacity of local authorities. The project has also reported on financial management, including expenditures and pipeline balance. The project has also reported on management and administrative issues, including the establishment of a MMS and a MAP. The project's overall progress is reported in the quarterly progress report. The project has made significant progress in implementing its activities and achieving its objectives. The project has also reported on several key lessons learned and planned activities for the next quarters.