Zambia Secures US$3.6 Million Climate Monitoring Grant
The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has announced that Zambia has secured an investment phase grant worth US$3,627,540 from the Systematic Observations Financing Facility following approval by the 13th SOFF Steering Committee.
The funding marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience and improve meteorological monitoring systems. The initiative follows a readiness and preparatory phase that began in 2023 during the COP28.
According to the Ministry, the funds will support the procurement and installation of modern weather observation stations across the country. The project will also build technical capacity and ensure sustainable management of observation infrastructure already established in districts and catchment areas.
The upgrades are expected to help Zambia close existing climate data gaps and meet the requirements of the Global Basic Observing Network, an internationally mandated system that supports global weather monitoring.
Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha, described the approval as a transformative development for Zambia’s climate adaptation efforts.
“This investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Zambians,” he said. “By upgrading our meteorological infrastructure to world-class standards, we will improve our ability to deliver accurate, location-specific early warning systems that protect agriculture, energy and infrastructure from climate change impacts.”
The project will be implemented with support from the World Food Programme as the implementing entity, while the Met Office will provide technical guidance as a peer adviser.
Government officials say the improved observation network will not only support domestic climate monitoring but also allow Zambia to contribute critical weather data to global forecasting systems, helping improve prediction accuracy worldwide.
The Ministry added that the SOFF funding will also complement other climate financing mechanisms such as the African Development Bank Climate Action Window, creating a more sustainable and coordinated approach to climate data management.
Authorities say deployment of the new infrastructure and capacity building programmes will begin once the funds are disbursed, ensuring Zambia’s meteorological services are better equipped to respond to future climate challenges.
