Zambia Strengthens Climate Action with Landmark Energy Agreements at COP29
Zambia took decisive steps toward advancing its climate action goals by signing bilateral agreements with Norway and Sweden during COP29 in Baku. These agreements, under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, mark a significant milestone in Zambia’s commitment to combating climate change, fostering sustainable development, and addressing its energy challenges.
On November 16, 2024, Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Honourable Mike E. Mposha, and Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Mr. Tore Onshuus Sandvik, signed a cooperative agreement.
This collaboration aims to catalyze green investments, reduce emissions, and create avenues for carbon finance. Mr. Sandvik noted, “Norway is committed to supporting developing countries like Zambia to unlock green investments and contribute to global climate goals.”
Two days later, on November 18, 2024, Zambia solidified its partnership with Sweden. The agreement, signed by Dr. Douty Chibamba, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, and Ms. Caroline Asserup, Acting Director General of Sweden’s Energy Agency, builds on an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Ms. Asserup emphasized the cooperation’s role in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable development in both countries.
These agreements address Zambia’s pressing energy deficit, which stems from over-reliance on hydropower and drought conditions. By embracing renewable energy and energy efficiency, Zambia seeks to boost its power generation capacity and achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) Program, led by the Global Green Growth Institute, played a pivotal role in facilitating these agreements. It supports Zambia in developing its carbon market framework and enabling transactions of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs).
Honourable Mposha expressed gratitude to Norway and Sweden for their steadfast support, adding, “These agreements open up opportunities for energy developers to access carbon finance, propelling Zambia towards a sustainable and low-carbon future.”
