Zambia to Receive $13 Million for Disaster Management from African Union Program
Zambia is set to receive over $13 million for disaster management and mitigation efforts, as announced by Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit National Coordinator, Dr. Gabriel Pollen.
The funds are expected to be disbursed by June this year through the Africa Risk Insurance Programme under the African Union. Dr. Pollen revealed this information while attending the African Risk Capacity -ARC- Agency Conference of Parties in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Highlighting Zambia’s previous benefits from the Africa Risk Capacity, Dr. Pollen noted a premium payment of $5.5 million during the 2022 drought.
In response to this year’s drought, the Zambian government has devised a drought response mechanism aimed at lessening its impact.
Dr. Pollen emphasized the government’s commitment to allocating resources for water harvesting infrastructure to tap into the country’s abundant water resources.
Dr. Pollen further explained that future droughts could be mitigated through the government’s planned interventions in irrigation infrastructure. By prioritizing irrigation, Zambia aims to boost agricultural production, ensuring food security and creating a surplus for export.
Regarding the ratification of the African Risk Capacity Treaty, Dr. Pollen stated that Zambia will proceed with the ratification process once internal procedures, including parliamentary approval, are finalized.
This update was provided in a statement issued by First Secretary Press and Tourism at the Zambian Embassy in Ethiopia, Inutu Mwanza.
