The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, in partnership with the European Union, launched a two-day workshop yesterday to develop a national Charcoal Transition Strategy. The initiative aims to address the growing environmental and economic challenges posed by uncontrolled charcoal production in Zambia.
During the official opening, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Douty Chibamba, highlighted the Forest Department as one of the Ministry’s largest portfolios. He noted its potential to create green jobs and attract investment, with billions in revenue possible through carbon trading. Despite this potential, he stated that charcoal production has become largely unregulated, threatening forest sustainability. Dr. Chibamba described the workshop as a timely and significant step toward tackling one of Zambia’s most pressing environmental issues.
Dr. Chibamba also called for the revival of the National Task Force on charcoal to ensure long-term forest protection. EU Head of Cooperation, Lana Zulelija, reinforced the urgency of combating deforestation. She pledged the EU’s support in developing a strategy that balances economic development with environmental sustainability.
Acting Director of the Forestry Department, Dr. Fred Siangulube, stressed the need for collaborative action. He urged stakeholders to work together to identify sustainable solutions to the charcoal challenge.
The workshop, conducted under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, brings together representatives from government ministries, Czech and Finnish embassies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and development agencies. Over two days, participants will discuss practical strategies to better regulate and manage charcoal production in Zambia.
The primary goal of the workshop is to produce actionable recommendations for a national strategy. This strategy will aim to promote sustainable forest management, reduce deforestation, and support the livelihoods of local communities dependent on the charcoal sector.
The initiative represents a major step in Zambia’s efforts to align economic growth with environmental protection while addressing a key source of forest degradation.