Zambia Signs Third Carbon Deal with Switzerland at COP30
Zambia has signed its third Bilateral Agreement under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, this time with Switzerland, during COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
The agreement, signed by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE) and Switzerland’s Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC), establishes a framework for CO₂ emission reduction projects in Zambia, with the results contributing to Switzerland’s reduction targets.
This milestone follows two previous agreements signed with Norway and Sweden at COP29 in Baku in 2024 and underscores Zambia’s commitment to advancing climate mitigation while strengthening its carbon market framework.
The country has enacted the Green Economy and Climate Change Act 2024 and developed a Carbon Market Framework, now nearing the finalisation of its Statutory Instrument on Carbon Markets.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Mike Mposha, Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, highlighted the growing number of climate mitigation activity submissions received by the Carbon Market Secretariat.
He emphasised that the partnership with Switzerland would not only support the implementation of high-quality climate projects but also advance Zambia’s progress towards other Sustainable Development Goals.
“We believe that the signing of this bilateral agreement with the Swiss government today will take us a step further towards seeking increased investments in Zambia’s climate mitigation activities,” said Minister Mposha.
Switzerland’s Minister Albert Rösti, Head of DETEC, noted that the agreement provides a pathway for international climate projects that adhere to strict environmental standards while respecting human rights.
The agreement will pave the way for negotiating Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) through a Mitigation Outcome Purchase Agreement (MOPA), strengthening Zambia’s position in the global carbon market.
The signing was supported by the Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) Program, led by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in collaboration with GFA Consulting Group and UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, which provides technical assistance and capacity building to prepare Zambia for carbon transactions under Article 6.
