After the change of government in Zambia in 2021, Kivu was asked by the new State House team and Cabinet Office to provide advice on options for improving the structure and effectiveness of the strategic centre of government in Zambia. Kivu conducted an assessment of the processes, structures, and ways of working across State House and the Cabinet Office. The focus was principally on the policy and strategy functions across the key centre of government institutions. The review required Kivu to listen hard to the existing ways of working, and to take time to understand the context before making recommendations which are appropriate for Zambia, and for the current Zambian President. This work draws on the Kivu team’s direct experience of personally working in the strategic centre of government and also thier previous experience of advising developed-world governments on effective public administration.