By 
Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to the Zambia Water Investment Programme, announcing that US$1.82 billion has already been mobilized locally, leaving a US$3.98 billion investment opportunity still open to partners.
Nalumango also echoed President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for reforms to the international financial architecture, stressing the need to unlock blended finance at scale and shift global perceptions of water—from being viewed solely as a social good to being recognized as productive capital.
She made the remarks in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where she delivered a strategic address outlining Zambia’s leadership in advancing water security as a catalyst for national development, regional stability, and global cooperation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Vice President emphasized that water security remained central to Zambia’s economic transformation agenda, forming a critical foundation for agriculture, energy generation, public health, and climate resilience.
“The government’s One Government approach integrates water governance across all key sectors and strengthens decentralization to ensure that solutions are locally driven and climate-responsive,” Nalumango stated.
She further highlighted Zambia’s proactive position ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, calling for a shift from fragmented voluntary commitments to a binding global water governance framework.
Read More: Minister Nzovu orders new water utility boards to cut losses, enhance efficiency
Nalumango stressed that global pledges must translate into measurable improvements on the ground, supported by predictable financing, technical assistance aligned with national systems, and clear accountability mechanisms to monitor delivery.
“There is need to de-risk water investments, integrating climate and water finance, strengthening national data systems, and enhancing regional cooperation, particularly across shared river basins—to build long-term resilience,” she emphasized.
The Vice President also invited international partners and delegates to participate in the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, where Zambia will co-chair the Interactive Dialogue on Water for Cooperation alongside Finland.
Nalumango reaffirmed Zambia’s role as a key architect of global water governance through the UN Water Convention, stating that the country stands ready with the policies, flagship projects, and political commitment required to drive transformative progress.
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.
Comments