In February 2025, the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) approved funding to help the Zambezi Region Nature, People, and Climate (NPC) Investment Plan, a big milestone for the area that displays shut collaboration by the governments of Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia.
The authorized CIF funding, totalling $60.35 million, will help two main tasks throughout the basin. The African Development Bank will obtain $38 million from CIF for an built-in mission to bolster climate-resilient meals, livelihoods, and ecosystems all through the area. Additionally, $19 million has been allotted for the World Bank to guide domestically centered investments in neighborhood and ecosystem resilience in Malawi. The NPC IP focuses on three areas of intervention:
- sustainable agriculture and fisheries
- wildlife and forest administration
- built-in water assets and coastal and wetlands administration
Still, an additional $703.39 million can be required over the subsequent 5 years to implement six parts of nature-based options, together with selling sustainable forest restoration and enhancing the resilience of native communities and agricultural methods.
The Zambezi River, Africa’s fourth-longest, spans 1,390,000 sq. kilometers and is important for the area’s biodiversity and economies. Despite agriculture’s vital contribution to the livelihoods of the basin’s rural populations, the sector faces quite a few challenges, together with restricted irrigation and the necessity for sustainable land administration.
The Zambezi Region NPC IP was developed underneath the management of the basin international locations, together with the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) with help from the CIF Secretariat and technical help from the African Development Bank Group and World Bank Group to deal with these challenges via nature-based options.
Carl Schlettwein, Chair of the ZAMCOM Council of Ministers, stated:
“The Zambezi Watercourse is the lifeblood of our region, home to 51 million people, rich biodiversity, and diverse ecosystems. The Zambezi Region NPC IP represents a transformative vision for addressing climate change, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic shocks over the next 5 years.”
African Development Bank Director for Climate Change and Green Growth, Anthony Nyong, stated: “As the lead multilateral development bank for the Zambezi River Basin Project, the African Development Bank is committed to collaborating with partners to restore critical ecosystems and support sustainable livelihoods. These investments will help protect biodiversity, strengthen communities, and drive Africa’s climate resilience and green growth agenda.”
The Executive Secretary of ZAMCOM, Felix Mosi Ngamlagosi, stated: “This crucial step marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to build a sustainable and resilient future for the Zambezi River Basin. We are setting the foundation for implementing nature-based solutions that will help mitigate the impacts of climate change and human activities on natural resources.”
Zambia’s Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, stated: “The Zambezi Region Nature, People and Climate Investment Plan is a critical step toward building sustainable, climate-resilient communities in our region. As Zambia, we are honoured to have submitted the Expression of Interest on behalf of ZAMCOM, recognizing the critical role of coordinated regional efforts in safeguarding the livelihoods of millions who depend on the Zambezi River. With support from the CIF, this initiative will enhance our adaptive capacity, promote sustainable economic opportunities, and strengthen community resilience across the basin. We look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to drive impactful solutions that balance nature, people, and climate in this vital transboundary ecosystem.”
Higino Francisco de Marrule, Mozambique’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, stated: “The approval of the Zambezi Region Nature, People, and Climate Investment Plan marks a significant milestone in our collective commitment to building resilience and sustainable development in the Zambezi Watercourse. As a ZAMCOM Riparian State, Mozambique stands to benefit from this strategic initiative, which will enhance food security, strengthen climate adaptation, and support livelihoods across our communities. With the support of the Climate Investment Funds, we are advancing regional cooperation and mobilizing critical investments to safeguard our natural resources and ensure a prosperous future for our people.”
In December 2024, CIF endorsed a $34.65 million NPC funding plan to harness the transformative potential of nature for lasting climate-positive change in Zambia that’s anticipated to generate greater than $220 million in co-financing to spice up a low-carbon climate-resilient financial system, agricultural productiveness, and forest safety.
Approximately 70% of Zambia’s inhabitants depends on agriculture for his or her livelihoods and thus are extremely weak to local weather shocks. Increasingly unpredictable rainfall and temperature fluctuations are worsening excessive ranges of meals insecurity within the nation.
Both funding plans emphasize the significance of neighborhood involvement, sustainable land administration, and the safety of pure assets to attain long-term environmental and socio-economic advantages. These plans goal to create resilient and sustainable socio-ecological methods that profit individuals and nature by addressing local weather change and environmental degradation in an built-in method.
Source African Development Bank Group
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