Zambia Goes Climate-Smart

.. New national framework turns climate data into everyday solutions as a transformative climate services plan kicks off in Lusaka.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 (23 - May 2025) – The Government of Zambia has launched the National Framework for Weather, Water, and Climate Services (NFWCS) specifically to bolster climate resilience and sustainable development.

The high-profile event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka, convened senior government officials, international development partners, climate scientists, and stakeholders from various sectors, underscoring the nation's commitment to integrating climate services into its developmental agenda.

Officiating on behalf of the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike Mposha, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Douty Chibamba, heralded the NFWCS as a groundbreaking achievement in Zambia’s pursuit of climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

He emphasized that the framework transcends the enhancement of forecasting capabilities, representing a fundamental shift in utilizing climate information to energize homes, safeguard public health, boost agricultural productivity, and fortify community resilience.

“This framework is not just about better forecasts or stronger observation systems,” Dr. Chibamba articulated.

“It is about fundamentally redefining how we use climate information to guide decisions across all sectors—from powering our homes and protecting our health to ensuring our farmers are climate-smart and helping vulnerable communities build resilience through early warnings and preparedness.”

Zambia has been increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced adversities, including droughts, floods, and erratic weather patterns, which have severely impacted agriculture, public health, water security, and the broader economy.

The NFWCS is designed to provide a coordinated and integrated approach to managing these challenges, ensuring that climate services are not only robust but also accessible to all, particularly the most vulnerable populations.

Dr. Chibamba underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in the framework's implementation, stating that its success hinges on the collective endeavors of stakeholders, partners, and citizens.

“By working together, Zambia can enhance resilience and protect lives and livelihoods from climate-related disasters,” he asserted.

He further described the launch as a clarion call for decisive, collaborative, and inclusive action to tackle the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

The NFWCS is structured around six strategic goals:

Strengthening Observation and Monitoring Systems: Enhancing the infrastructure and methodologies for accurate data collection to better understand and predict climate patterns.

Building Technical Capacity: Developing expertise across climate-sensitive sectors to effectively utilize climate information in decision-making processes.

Integrating Climate Information into Policy and Planning: Ensuring that climate data informs national policies and development plans, fostering a proactive approach to climate adaptation.

Advancing Research and Innovation: Promoting studies and technological advancements that address climate-related challenges and support sustainable practices.

Ensuring Accessible Early Warnings and Climate Services: Making climate information and alerts readily available to all communities, with a focus on reaching the most vulnerable.

Fostering Public-Private Partnerships and Inclusive Engagement: Encouraging collaboration among government entities, private sector, academia, and civil society to drive the framework's objectives.

The Zambia Meteorological Department will spearhead the implementation, supported by a multi-sectoral inter-ministerial working group, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive execution of the framework.

The NFWCS aligns seamlessly with Zambia’s national priorities, including the Green Growth Strategy and the Eighth National Development Plan.

It also fulfills international obligations under the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting Zambia's dedication to global climate action and sustainable development.

Dr. David Chikoye, CGIAR Country Convenor in Zambia, who delivered the welcome address, emphasized that the NFWCS should be viewed as more than a technical instrument.

“This framework is a call to action, a roadmap for transforming climate information into actionable solutions that empower farmers, policymakers, and businesses alike,” he stated.

He highlighted the pivotal role of AICCRA (Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa) in bridging the gap between climate science and practical application, noting that through its partnerships, AICCRA has already reached over two million people in Zambia, with ambitions to scale that impact and drive systemic change.

Dr. Chikoye called for robust public-private partnerships and inclusive engagement across all societal levels.

They urged development partners, academic institutions, civil society, and the private sector to align their efforts with the framework and contribute to its success through funding, technical assistance, innovation, and outreach.

As the event concluded, a shared sentiment resonated among attendees: the NFWCS is not merely a policy document but a national platform for collaboration, action, and resilience.

With its launch, Zambia positions itself as a regional leader in delivering climate services that are science-driven, people-centered, and development-focused, paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future.