Introduction
The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Lusaka combines diplomatic engagement with development cooperation, educational opportunities and support for local organisations. Its funding activities include small-scale development projects and initiatives promoting human rights and democratic participation in Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
For NGOs and community institutions, the embassy is a potential bilateral development partner. Its grants operate within Czech government programmes, with eligibility and selection requirements defined in individual calls.
History and Background
Renewed Diplomatic Presence
Relations between Czechia and Zambia date back to Zambia’s early independence and the period when Czechia formed part of Czechoslovakia. Czechia reopened its embassy in Lusaka in 2017, strengthening its presence and opportunities for cooperation.
On 1 August 2017, the embassy moved from temporary accommodation at the ambassador’s residence into its chancery at 4 Twin Palms Road, Kabulonga, Lusaka.
Its published activities now span development projects, business cooperation, scholarships, cultural exchanges and diplomatic engagement.
Mission and Purpose
The embassy’s development cooperation supports practical responses to local challenges. Its small-scale projects aim to address specific community needs and strengthen local capacity, sometimes drawing on Czech technology, expertise and products.
Recent activities demonstrate interests in education, livelihoods, environmental sustainability and community services. Alongside development funding, the embassy promotes educational exchange and public engagement, including Czech government scholarships and cultural initiatives.
For applicants, proposals should demonstrate a clear development benefit, realistic costs and a credible plan for sustaining results.
Governance and Structure
Government Administration
The embassy’s small-scale development grants form part of Czech government development cooperation. In the 2026 selection round, a commission comprising representatives of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Czech Development Agency selected projects for support. The embassy then contacted the implementing partners.
Geographic Responsibilities
Programme coverage should be distinguished from consular jurisdiction. The embassy’s published consular and visa responsibilities cover Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while its current small-scale development call covers Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
Organisations should therefore check the geographic requirements of each funding opportunity.
Funding and Grants
Small-Scale Development Projects
The 2027 Small Scale Projects call offers grants between CZK 250,000 and CZK 500,000. Applications close on 27 October 2026. Personnel, travel, insurance and related expenses covered by the stated restriction must not exceed 8% of total project costs.
Applicants must be legally registered in Zambia, Malawi or Zimbabwe and generally undertake nonprofit activities. The call also allows proposals from for-profit entities where the project does not aim to generate profit for the company. Central administrative bodies and political parties or movements are excluded.
Selection and Submission
Assessment considers development benefits, sustainability, co-financing and cost-effectiveness. Czech technological solutions or cooperation with Czech entities provide an advantage but are not mandatory. Applications require a completed identification form, legal registration evidence and proof of the submitting person’s authority.
Full requirements and submission instructions appear in the
Major Programs and Initiatives
Development Cooperation
Small-scale projects provide a recurring mechanism for locally implemented initiatives. The embassy publishes calls and results, allowing organisations to understand the programme’s scope and previous selections.
Transition Promotion
The embassy also administers calls under the Transition Promotion Program, supporting eligible projects in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Its website records both the 2026 call and subsequent selection results.
Education and Public Engagement
Other activities include Czech government scholarships, children’s participation in the Lidice international art exhibition and Czech Ambassador for a Day. The first Zambian edition of the latter took place in June 2026 to mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Livelihoods and Education Projects
In 2024, Czech funding supported the continuation of a wild-oils processing enterprise in Mukuni, near Livingstone. The project sought to improve livelihoods for women and young people while supporting sustainable environmental management.
A second project supported a family or teacher house connected to a planned secondary school in Kashitu. Related activities included training local volunteers in brickmaking, linking education infrastructure with practical skills development.
Recent Funding Decisions
For the 2026 round, the embassy reported 130 eligible proposals across the three countries. Two implementing organisations were selected: the United Church of Zambia and International Humanity Malawi NGO. No Zimbabwean project was selected that year. These figures show the competitiveness of the programme rather than completed project outcomes.
Conclusion
The Czech Embassy in Lusaka provides a focused route to bilateral development funding and institutional cooperation. Its small-scale grants are particularly relevant to organisations able to demonstrate practical community benefits, sustainability and careful use of resources.
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