Zambia Seeks US$300 Million in Climate Financing

The Government of Zambia and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have agreed to strengthen collaboration to mobilise approximately US$300 million for climate-resilient agrifood systems.

The initiative aims to protect agricultural production from climate-related shocks while supporting food security, sustainable livelihoods and green economic growth.

The commitment followed high-level discussions between Minister of Green Economy and Environment Gilbert Siame and Piedad Martin, Deputy Director of the FAO Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment.

The discussions were supported by Global Environment Facility representatives Jeff Griffin, Executive Coordinator, and Sergio Hinojosa, Natural Resources Officer, alongside Michela Morese, Senior Energy Team Lead, and Fouad Bergigui of the GEF Small Grants Programme.

The proposed financing will be pursued through the Green Climate Fund and other climate finance mechanisms. Priority areas include climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land management, renewable energy solutions, climate-resilient infrastructure, access to finance and stronger agricultural markets.

Speaking ahead of Zambia’s investment pitch at the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, Minister Siame said the country was committed to using climate finance to transform agricultural production and advance sustainable economic growth.

“We have secured high-level collaboration to advance Zambia's climate financing agenda and climate-proof our agrifood systems. Through partnerships with FAO and international climate finance institutions, we are positioning Zambia to attract investment that strengthens agricultural production, creates opportunities for our farmers and builds resilience against climate shocks,” he said.

Mr Siame said the initiative aligns with Zambia’s green growth vision, recognising that investment in climate action and agrifood systems can reinforce each other in advancing sustainable development.

The collaboration is expected to support agricultural value chains, improve farmers’ resilience and attract investment into climate-sensitive sectors of the economy.