Metro

Zambia seeks support from UN for green economy as UNDP commits $150,000

Published

1 month ago

September 5, 2024

In a bid to boost its green economy, the Zambian government has reached out to the United Nations (UN) to help secure international funding for its initiatives, especially on the need for financial resources to achieve the country’s environmental goals.

Zambia’s Green Economy and Environment Minister, Mike Mposha, who made the appeal during a meeting with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, James Wakiaga, in Lusaka on Wednesday, emphasized the need for knowledge sharing and capacity development which he said were critical for the successful implementation of sustainable development policies.

“We invite the UN to support capacity-building programmes for our government officials, civil society organizations and the private sector,” Mposha said during the meeting.

He also solicited UN support in developing climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, including enhancing Zambia’s capacity to access climate finance and implementing sustainable land management practices.

Wakiaga, who also addressed the meeting, acknowledged the environmental and socio-economic challenges caused by drought and exacerbated by climate change.

He went on to outline UNDP’s commitment to support the Zambian government’s drought response efforts, including repurposing solar-powered irrigation under the SCRALA Project to ensure affected communities have year-round access to water and food production.

“The energy deficit negatively impacts economic sectors and could lead to further environmental degradation, such as increased charcoal production,” Wakiaga said.

He noted that UNDP was supporting government initiatives within the green growth strategy to promote access to renewable energy through the productive use of electricity.

Wakiaga also announced that UNDP would provide financial and technical assistance to the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE) to develop gender and youth-inclusive programmes that support resilience, low-emission practices and water efficiency, aiding Zambia in meeting its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goals.

“Through its Climate Promise initiative, UNDP has committed USD 150,000 to support Zambia in undertaking a stock-take of NDC implementation, assessing progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Wakiaga added.

Wakiaga further stated the urgency of conducting a gap analysis of early warning systems and infrastructure, given the anticipated extreme climate change, to ensure that real-time and localised climate information reaches farming communities.

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Metro

ZESCO says Zambians can enjoy improved power supply but offers condition

Published

10 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Isaac Dachen

State-owned Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) has assured Zambians of improved power supply spanning seven-hour daily, depending on the approval of its emergency tariff adjustment by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB).

ZESCO, which is Zambia’s largest power company producing about 80% of the electricity consumed in the country, made the commitment during a public hearing held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Monday.

In his address, Victor Mapani, ZESCO’s Managing Director, stated that the proposed tariff increase would allow the company to raise $15 million monthly to import 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

“ZESCO’s ultimate goal is to add 788 MW of power to the 400 MW it currently imports from South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe,” Mapani said.

Also speaking at the forum, Mark O’Donnell, representing the Business Coalition Task Office, noted that ZESCO’s tariffs were more affordable than diesel generators, which many households and businesses had resorted to due to Zambia’s energy challenges.

He emphasized the coalition’s support for the tariff hike but urged ZESCO to ensure efficient use of resources.

Ashu Sagar, President of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM), raised concerns about ZESCO’s inconsistent load-shedding schedule, which he said had disrupted production planning and increased costs in the manufacturing sector.

On his part, ERB Board Chairperson, James Banda, announced that the board would make an independent decision on ZESCO tariff adjustment request on Thursday, devoid of political influence.

Metro

All the choices we have made are for sustainable, inclusive growth— Tinubu

Published

15 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that all the choices his administration has made since assuming office 17 months ago have been made to stop the country’s decline and put it on a path to sustainable and inclusive growth.

Tinubu, who made the assertion at the 54th Annual Accountants Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said it was encouraging that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product growth for the first and second quarters of 2024 was positive, giving credence to his reforms and policies.

The president, who was represented by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, noted that it was gladdening that inflation was on a downward trend, and the foreign exchange market was stabilising, with encouraging investment signals.

“We are continuing with innovative reform measures: digitisation of revenue collection and government services, consumer credit system to boost manufacturing and enable access to goods and services,” Tinubu said in his address to the audience.

“Our reforms include removing punitive subsidies to the economy. Revenue bleeding has reduced, and the three tiers of government are receiving higher allocations, which enable more support to vulnerable populations.

“Social investment spending is increasing, the minimum wage has increased, student loans are available, and interventions to support NANO, MSME, farming, fishing, and the livestock sector have increased.

“Our collective vision for Nigeria’s future is anchored on strengthening our institutions and nurturing a pervasive culture of accountability,” he said.

He added that his government was committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to boost transparency and efficiency and cultivate strategic partnerships to pave the way for sustainable development.