New Zambia–Switzerland Deal Brings Climate Funding and Carbon Projects
Zambia and Switzerland have officially inaugurated a bilateral climate agreement aimed at accelerating greenhouse gas mitigation efforts under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, marking a significant step in Zambia’s growing engagement with international carbon markets.
The agreement, signed in November last year on the margins of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, was formally launched by the Government of Zambia, represented by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE), and the Swiss Government, represented by the Embassy of Switzerland to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.
The bilateral agreement, alongside Zambia’s forthcoming national framework on carbon markets, establishes a foundation for voluntary international cooperation to support both countries in achieving their climate objectives. Its development and inauguration were supported by the Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) programme, funded by the German Government through its International Climate Initiative and implemented globally by the Global Green Growth Institute, with GFA Consulting Group and the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre serving as key delivery partners in Zambia.
Zambia’s agreement with Switzerland is the third Article 6 bilateral agreement the country has signed in the past two years, underscoring its emergence as a credible and proactive participant in international carbon markets.
Under the agreement, the Swiss Foundation for Climate Protection and Carbon Offset, known as the KliK Foundation, will identify and financially support suitable greenhouse gas mitigation activities in Zambia that go beyond the country’s own climate targets. Mandated under the Swiss CO₂ Act, the foundation will provide results-based financing by purchasing verified emission reductions in the form of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs).
This approach is designed to channel international finance towards cost-effective mitigation projects while enabling countries to cooperate in meeting their climate goals. The supported activities are expected to complement Zambia’s climate action beyond its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and contribute to sustainable development.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Mike Mposha said the agreement would deliver tangible benefits for the country.
“This agreement will support high-quality mitigation projects that create jobs, strengthen community resilience, and advance our national sustainable development priorities,” he said.
Darja Aepli, Chief Operating Officer of the KliK Foundation, said the foundation would play a key role in turning the agreement into concrete outcomes. “By securing the financial viability of large-scale greenhouse gas mitigation activities, our work is designed to support the expansion of Zambia’s transition towards a resilient, low-carbon future,” she said.
The event, attended by key stakeholders from government, development partners and the private sector, also marked the launch of the development and implementation of climate action within the carbon market framework under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
Swiss Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi, H.E. Stéphane Rey, described the agreement as a milestone in bilateral cooperation. He said it symbolised Switzerland’s efforts to adapt and deepen its engagement with Zambia as it phases out development cooperation.
The agreement, he added, allows Switzerland to offset part of its emissions through high-quality carbon credits while supporting Zambia to go beyond its already ambitious climate commitments.
He emphasised that all mitigation activities would meet high standards of environmental integrity, contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and safeguard human rights.
