The Zambia Country Climate and Development Report examines how climate change is already impacting the country’s development prospects and identifies practical actions to protect livelihoods, strengthen resilience, and support long-term economic growth, while contributing to global climate goals.
The report warned that extreme weather is becoming a major constraint on Zambia’s development. Recurrent droughts are disrupting agriculture, hydropower generation and household incomes, with poor and rural communities particularly vulnerable to climate shocks.
“Climate risks are no longer in the distant future for Zambia. They are already shaping development outcomes today,” said Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia. “Zambia can build resilience through targeted smart investments and policy reforms that protect people, accelerate growth and create jobs.”
The report stressed the need to mobilise greater private sector participation alongside climate and development finance. Creating a predictable policy environment, strengthening institutions and reducing climate‑related risks will be essential to unlocking private investment and driving innovation.
The World Bank outlined a strategic pathway built around four priority areas. First, transforming rural livelihoods by expanding climate‑smart agriculture, irrigation and mechanisation to boost productivity and resilience, protect forests and unlock climate and carbon finance.
Second, planning for green and resilient cities involves steering urban development away from flood-prone areas, upgrading informal settlements, and investing in resilient infrastructure to support growth and attract private capital.
Third, crowding in private investment for the green industry and infrastructure. The report recommends continuing mining sector reforms, diversifying renewable energy and building durable transport networks through public‑private partnerships to reduce logistics costs and emissions.
Fourth, protecting and building human capital by strengthening disaster risk systems, expanding adaptive social protection and developing skills for emerging jobs in sectors such as energy, agriculture and construction.
“Zambia’s challenge is to embrace reforms and build robust institutions capable of managing natural resources, attracting private investment and translating growth into higher living standards,” said Dominick de Waal, Senior Economist at the World Bank and Co‑Author of the report.
–WorldBank/ChannelAfrica–
