By Samuel Mbewe
The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has officially launched the Zambia–Switzerland Cooperation on Climate Action following the signing of a bilateral agreement on carbon market cooperation. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the COP30 climate conference held in Brazil last year.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha said the partnership with Switzerland presents new opportunities for both countries to meet their climate targets while ensuring environmental integrity and sustainable development remain central to their efforts.
Mr. Mposha noted that Zambia’s ambitious climate targets span several key sectors, including agriculture, forestry, energy, water infrastructure, transport, waste management, coal, industrial processes and product use, as well as tourism.
He described the agreement as both a climate milestone and a development opportunity, explaining that it will support high-quality mitigation projects that create jobs, strengthen community resilience, and advance Zambia’s national sustainable development priorities.
“As you may be aware, Zambia's bilateral agreement with Switzerland is the third Article 6 bilateral agreement signed in the last two years, a clear indication of our growing role as a credible and proactive participant in international carbon markets,” Mr. Mposha said.
He added that the government has established a robust governance and institutional framework, including clear approval processes and investments in capacity building, to ensure Zambia’s participation in carbon markets is strategic and anchored on integrity.
Mr. Mposha further highlighted the enactment of the Green Economy and Climate Change Act No. 18 of 2024, which provides a solid legal framework for carbon markets, mitigation and adaptation measures, and green economic transformation.
Meanwhile, Swiss Ambassador to Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe His Excellency Stèphane Reys aid the agreement offers a mutually beneficial framework that allows Switzerland to offset part of its emissions through high-quality carbon credits while supporting Zambia to exceed its climate commitments.
Ambassador Rays emphasized that the cooperation is guided by the principles of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, underscoring the importance of transparency, fairness and environmental integrity.
He noted that Switzerland and Zambia share a long history of collaboration in development, governance and social programs, which has contributed to improved livelihoods, youth and women empowerment, and reduced vulnerabilities.
As Switzerland adjusts its international cooperation strategy, Ambassador Rays disclosed that its bilateral development cooperation program with Zambia will be phased out by 2028. However, he said climate cooperation, including the carbon market agreement, will remain a key pillar of future engagement.
He stressed that the agreement ensures mitigation activities meet high environmental standards, contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, and safeguard human rights.
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