Zambia secures $30 million carbon deal to boost country’s transition to people-centred green economy

Zambia has signed an agreement aimed at strengthening the country’s transition to a people-centred green economy.

According to a statement issued on Monday, the Nested Emission Reduction Performance Agreement (NERPA) was signed on Friday at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka between the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme, and BioCarbon Partners (BCP).

The agreement formally integrates a private REDD+ project into a government-led jurisdictional framework.

Speaking on behalf of Green Economy and Environment Minister, Mike Mposha, Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba described the deal as historic, highlighting that it enhances transparency, accountability, and equitable benefit-sharing in carbon market initiatives.

Chibamba reaffirmed the government’s commitment, under President Hakainde Hichilema, to ensuring that communities benefit fairly from carbon revenues generated through forest conservation and sustainable land-use practices.

He noted that the agreement followed the successful signing of 56 chiefdom-level emission reduction agreements, reflecting strong support from traditional leaders and active community participation in forest protection across Eastern Province.

According to Chibamba, the Eastern Province programme is expected to generate approximately 28.9 million tonnes of carbon credits. Revenue from the credits will be shared with 55 percent allocated to communities, 30 percent to private developers, and 15 percent to government operations, ensuring rural households receive the largest share.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, reaffirmed the institution’s support for Zambia’s climate initiatives, revealing that US$30 million has been secured for the purchase of verified carbon credits.

He said the funding would help promote climate resilience, food security, and sustainable livelihoods.
BCP Chief Executive Officer, Nicholas Mudaly, said the agreement validated community-led conservation efforts, adding that communities participating in the Luangwa Community Forest Project were expected to receive US$3 million in final payments.

Delivering a vote of thanks, Chieftainess Msoro of Mambwe District said revenues from carbon markets were already improving local livelihoods and reinforcing the importance of forest protection.

She added that the agreement was expected to translate climate action into tangible benefits for rural communities.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.