By John Chola
Sweden has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Zambia tackle the adverse effects of climate change, particularly drought, while pledging increased funding towards Zambia’s Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme.
This assurance was made by Swedish Ambassador to Zambia, Mr. Johan Hallenborg, during a courtesy call on Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike Elton Mposha, in Lusaka on Wednesday.
Ambassador Hallenborg highlighted Sweden’s ongoing support to Zambia, noting the shared experience of climate change impacts between the two countries.
“We have assisted through the EU, donating US$1 million to the World Food Programme for humanitarian aid. This is part of the emergency cash transfer programme, which I recently visited in Monze District, where the effects of drought are devastating,” he said.
He added that Sweden plans to inject an additional US$2 million into the SCT programme to aid vulnerable Zambians.
In addition to these efforts, Sweden is one of the primary contributors to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF), which has allocated US$5.5 million for Zambia’s drought response.
“Sweden does not sit idly when we see drought in Zambia,” said Ambassador Hallenborg, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between the two nations, especially in international forums like the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP).
Minister Mposha thanked Sweden for its unwavering support, stating that Zambia remains focused on developing climate-resilient infrastructure, enhancing disaster preparedness, and promoting climate-smart agriculture.
“Our goal is to transition Zambia into a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy that benefits all citizens. Initiatives focusing on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism are key to reducing our carbon footprint and building resilience,” he said.
Mposha further emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring economic growth aligns with environmental sustainability, underscoring Zambia’s efforts to address the challenges of climate change, deforestation, and environmental degradation while pursuing green growth.
He acknowledged the critical role of international partnerships, stating, “With the strong partnership of cooperating partners like yourselves, we are confident in addressing these multiple challenges.”
Mposha also expressed enthusiasm for the strengthening of bilateral relations between Zambia and Sweden, citing several key initiatives, including the Sweden-Zambia Development Cooperation Agreement and the Zambia-Sweden Trade and Investment Agreement.
He cited the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the Carbon Market under the Paris Agreement as a testament to the growing collaboration between the two nations.
Additionally, Mposha revealed that Zambia is in the advanced stages of enacting the Climate Change and Green Economy Bill, a critical step in the country’s long-term climate resilience strategy.
The collaboration between Zambia and Sweden continues to deepen, with both nations committed to addressing climate challenges and promoting sustainable development.
