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Zambia Launches an Integrated Path for Climate Action Through its NDC Implementation Framework

May 17, 2023, Lusaka, Zambia - With support from the NDC Partnership, the government of Zambia officially launched its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Implementation Framework, taking an integrated approach to climate action across eleven sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to climate change impacts. Zambia’s NDC Implementation Framework is a milestone in the country’s efforts to advance mitigation and adaptation actions in line with national development priorities. 

The launch of Zambia’s Implementation Framework is the culmination of a dedicated whole-of-society effort led by the government in close collaboration with the NDC Partnership. Initial work included a mapping and assessment of national and sectoral frameworks to identify government priorities in relation to NDC targets, followed by extensive stakeholder engagements with civil society, development partners and the private sector, among others. 

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Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu

Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu, delivering the official Launch Speech. 

Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu, expressed the government’s commitment to the increased allocation of resources in the budget to implement NDC targets. Additionally, Hon. Nzovu urged for greater stakeholder collaboration through the “one government” approach presented by the Framework. He also stressed the need to establish a robust Measuring Reporting and Verification (MRV) System saying, “if you cannot measure it, you cannot control [it].” 

The Implementation Framework aligns with key national and sectoral policies, such as the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the National Policy on Climate Change, aiming for a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy under Zambia's “Vision 2030”.  

The Framework, with a total of 135 measures and 158 key performance indicators, is projected to cost USD 17.2 billion between 2023-2030. It will enhance coordination across government institutions and development partners while serving as a blueprint for aligning national climate adaptation and mitigation investments with the implementation of Zambia's updated NDC. 

Speaking at the launch of the Framework, NDC Partnership Country Engagement Director Mariana Panuncio-Feldman said, “Zambia’s momentum for climate action is evidenced by this ambitious, costed NDC Implementation Framework. This powerful tool will help translate the country’s climate commitments into action, offering a centralized framework for coordination and resource-mobilization. This is a strong policy signal of Zambia’s commitment to transitioning to a low-carbon and resilient economy.” 

Also speaking at the launch, the Hon. Minister of Energy, Peter C. Kapala, emphasized that the energy sector will play a critical role in contributing to NDC targets and called upon stakeholders to invest in renewable energy technologies. A complementary message came from the Acting Minister of Tourism, Hon. Paul Kabuswe, who stated that the government of Zambia has put in place measures to ensure that the Ministry of Tourism contributes to the NDC. The event was also attended by Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture and representatives from the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the British, German and Swedish Embassies in Zambia.  

All partners applauded Zambia's NDC Implementation Framework as a key milestone, with the EU Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency, Jacek Jankowski, acknowledging that the framework would support policy coherence and assured the Government of continued support from the EU. The NDC Partnership stands ready to work closely with the government through our Focal Points to mobilize support for this NDC Implementation Framework to achieve government’s ambitious climate actions.  

For media inquiries:  

Caitlin Pinkard, Communications Manager, Outreach & Governance, NDC Partnership Support Unit:  caitlin.pinkard@ndcpartnership.org / +1 (443) 786-4441

Alice Yande Sichinsambwe, Assistant Director, Information, Education and Communication, IEC Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Zambia; Alice.sichinsambwe@mgee.gov.zm / +260977460577 

About the NDC Partnership 

The NDC Partnership brings together more than 200 members, including more than 115 countries, developed and developing, and more than 80 institutions to create and deliver on ambitious climate action that help achieve the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Zambia became a member of the Partnership since 2016. Governments identify their NDC implementation priorities and the type of support that is needed to translate them into actionable policies and programs. Based on these requests, the membership offers a tailored package of expertise, technical assistance, and funding. This collaborative response provides developing countries with efficient access to a wide range of resources to adapt to and mitigate climate change and foster more equitable and sustainable development.