Zambia is set to benefit from the US$143 million in funding approved by the governing board of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) to support sustainable development in the Zambezi River Basin Region. Other beneficiaries include Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, and Tanzania, as well as Brazil and Kenya.
The endorsement of the Zambezi Regional Nature, People, and Climate (NPC) Investment Plan was confirmed by Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) Executive Secretary Felix Ngamlagosi, who highlighted the significance of the decision.
“I am delighted to inform you that on 28 February 2025, our Zambezi Regional Nature, People, and Climate (NPC) Investment Plan was presented to the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) Committee and received unanimous endorsement. This significant milestone reflects our collective dedication and hard work,” said Ngamlagosi.
Zambia’s Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, emphasized that the plan is a crucial step toward building sustainable, climate-resilient communities.
“As Zambia, we are honoured to have submitted this investment plan on behalf of ZAMCOM, recognising the critical role of coordinated regional efforts in safeguarding the livelihoods of millions who depend on the Zambezi River,” Mr. Nzovu stated.
He further explained that the CIF-backed initiative will enhance adaptive capacity, promote sustainable economic opportunities, and strengthen community resilience across the basin.
“We look forward to working with all stakeholders to drive impactful solutions that balance nature, people, and climate in this vital transboundary ecosystem,” he added.
Investment Plans and Expected Impact
The three country-led investment plans, part of CIF’s NPC, will pioneer nature-based solutions for sustainable development. These plans are expected to generate nearly US$1 billion in co-financing, with strong private sector engagement in restoring and protecting ecosystems, rehabilitating forests, and enhancing wildlife habitats.
Implemented by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank, the NPC plan will support five riparian countries—Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia—to address environmental challenges across eight priority areas. This includes sustainable forest restoration, protection of high carbon stock areas, ecosystem rehabilitation, and alternative livelihoods for forest-dependent communities. Additionally, land-use planning will focus on wildlife connectivity and resolving human-wildlife conflicts.
Additional Global Beneficiaries
Apart from the Zambezi River Basin, Brazil and Kenya will also receive CIF support. CIF’s Dedicated Grant Mechanism (DGM) will allocate $15 million in funding directly to Indigenous peoples and local communities, allowing them to implement community-led sustainable development initiatives.
Kenya’s NPC plan, supported by $35.66 million in CIF funding and $108 million in expected co-financing, will focus on nature-based tourism, wildlife conservation, and regenerative agriculture in areas such as Lake Victoria South and Ewaso Ng’iro North. The plan aims to boost private sector investments in environmental conservation and natural capital development.
Brazil’s $250 million investment plan, including $47 million in CIF funding, will focus on large-scale restoration of degraded forest areas in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes. The investment is expected to help restore 54,000 hectares of forest, create 21,000 jobs, and address deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
Strengthening Climate Resilience
CIF’s overall US$400 million NPC investment program aims to develop nature-based solutions in low and middle-income countries, integrating land use, climate-change mitigation, and sustainable livelihoods. To date, nearly US$300 million has been committed under the NPC framework, with countries such as the Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Zambia already receiving endorsements in 2024.
The US$60.35 million investment plan for Africa’s Zambezi River Basin Region is expected to attract significant co-financing, potentially mobilizing over US$10 in co-financing for every US$1 invested by CIF. Additionally, private sector engagement will be crucial, particularly in developing voluntary carbon markets.
This investment marks a major step in supporting sustainable development in the Zambezi River Basin and ensuring that local communities benefit from enhanced climate resilience, economic opportunities, and environmental protection.