Governance Structures within State-Owned Enterprises in Zambia: A Contemporary Analysis

State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) play a significant role in Zambia's economy by providing essential services and infrastructure. Governance structures within these enterprises are crucial for ensuring effective management, accountability, and alignment with national development goals. A qualitative approach was employed through a review of existing literature on SOE governance in Zambia and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders including government officials, SOE representatives, and civil society organizations. The analysis revealed a predominantly hierarchical structure characterized by centralized decision-making processes. This finding aligns with similar studies from other African countries but highlights Zambia's unique context where traditional authority figures exert influence over governance structures. SOEs in Zambia face challenges related to accountability, transparency, and stakeholder engagement due to their historical legacy and current management practices. Recommendations focus on strengthening board independence, fostering a culture of compliance, and enhancing public-private partnerships for sustainable development. Strengthen the role of independent boards within SOEs to ensure fair decision-making processes. Encourage active participation from various stakeholders including civil society organizations in governance structures. Promote transparency through regular reporting mechanisms and stakeholder engagement forums.