TIZ was established in June 2000 after Transparency International and others Chapters in the region held consultations in Zambia to identify a contact group to foster its vision and ideals. It was eventually registered in January 2001 under Registration Number 46295 as a ‘Company limited by guarantee’ with the Registrar of Companies. TIZ while abiding by the guiding principles of Transparency International globally has adopted its own vision, mission and core values to guide its operations and these are enunciated as follows:

Vision
‘A Zambia anchored on citizens and institutions of integrity.’

Mission Statement
Transparency International Zambia, inspired by the need for a society based on a culture of honesty, sincerity, transparency and accountability; will endeavour to contribute to the attainment of good governance through zero tolerance for corruption; and research, capacity building and advocacy.

Organizational Objectives
The main goal of TI Zambia is to contribute to the reduction of corruption in Zambia through the following general organisational objectives:

1. To effectively and efficiently play the role of a watchdog institution against corruption as well as be catalytic in the promotion of integrity and good governance in Zambia;
2. To promote constructive debate and dialogue among various actors on the situation of corruption, good governance and integrity in Zambia;
3. To develop sustainable coalitions for the purposes of joint action and enhance information sharing among various stakeholders;
4. To develop the organizational and human capacities of various actors to effectively deal with issues of corruption, good governance and integrity

TIZ Board of Directors
The membership of TI Zambia through the Annual General Meeting (AGM) are the supreme policy making body and through this forum a Board of Directors is elected to run the affairs of the organization. Additionally, TIZ has a full time Secretariat headed by an Executive Director. The contact group that was responsible for establishing the Zambian chapter of Transparency International essentially assumed the responsibilities of a Management Committee to oversee the initial period of inception and equally laid the ground for the recruitment of members and the eventual establishment of a Board at an AGM. In October 2002, the AGM elected the Management Committee as the first Board Members of TIZ. The composition of the Board is well balanced as it has professionals from different backgrounds including academia, social and advocacy organization, public sector, development agencies and the private sector.

Each Member of the Board shall hold office for a two (2) term and can seek re-election for another term. However, all board Members are restricted to two terms of office only but, with a break of one term, a Board Member can seek re-election. A casual vacancy shall be filled, until the next annual general meeting at which the Members will elect a Member to replace a Board Member who has resigned, was removed or disqualified. The Board sits quarterly to receive and discuss reports from the Secretariat. It plays an advisory role to the secretariat and is the policy making board. The Executive Director is a member of the Board and acts as a key link between the secretariat and Board.

TIZ Secretariat
One of the major tasks that the contact group undertook was the setting up of a full time Secretariat to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. TIZ is intended to be a Professional Association attracting members of the public who are working in corruption related issues or have the interest in the fight against corruption. TIZ, like other National Chapters has a strong focus on coalition building and therefore does not warrant a large Secretariat. Essentially, the Secretariat presently plays a facilitative role of TIZ programmes and activities on behalf of the membership and Board. The current total number of staff stands at eight (8). The secretariat implements all TIZ programmes and reports to the Board through the Executive Director.

TIZ Membership
TIZ is not a mass membership organization but a professional organization. Membership to TIZ, therefore, is by invitation to institutions, companies, corporations, societies and individuals who are considered to be of good standing and keen promoters of the anti-corruption crusade, integrity in leadership and good governance. TIZ members participate in most of the programmes that have been undertaken and those planned for. They contribute their expertise in these programmes as well through participation.