WWF Zambia urges stronger policy frameworks to unlock green investment

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia has called for stronger policy and institutional frameworks to unlock investment in the country’s green economy, including accelerated implementation of Zambia’s Green Finance Taxonomy.

Country Director, Nalucha Nganga-Ziba, said Zambia needed to develop bankable green investment pipelines, promote blended finance approaches and strengthen access to climate and biodiversity funds.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Ziba also called for incentives to encourage private investment in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, landscape restoration, ecotourism and nature-based solutions.

Ziba made the call while welcoming the appointment of Dr Gilbert Siame as Minister of Green Economy and Environment.

“WWF Zambia welcomes Government’s continued commitment to positioning environmental sustainability and natural capital management as key drivers of economic transformation, job creation and inclusive development,” she said.

Ziba said Zambia’s forests, rivers, wetlands and wildlife were strategic national assets that underpinned food and water security, tourism, energy generation and rural livelihoods.

“Together we can unlock the full potential of nature-positive, climate-resilient growth that creates jobs, strengthens livelihoods, reduces poverty and builds the resilience of communities, while safeguarding our natural capital for future generations,” she said.

Ziba said protecting and restoring natural assets was a fundamental investment in long-term growth, competitiveness and national prosperity.

She described Siame as an action-oriented leader who was well placed to advance Zambia’s green economy agenda.

“As His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema advances the Grow Zambia Agenda, we stand ready to work closely with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment,” she said.

Ziba said WWF recognised the ministry’s central role in supporting Zambia’s transition to a green economy that promotes sustainable agriculture and climate-smart enterprises.

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