Government appeals for investment in disaster preparedness

Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Gilbert Siame, has appealed for investment in last-mile early warning services that will improve preparedness for disasters like the anticipated El Nino. Dr Siame has noted that the experience and capacity of countries like Britain in…

Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Gilbert Siame, has appealed for investment in last-mile early warning services that will improve preparedness for disasters like the anticipated El Nino.

Dr Siame has noted that the experience and capacity of countries like Britain in this area could help strengthen Zambia’s resilience to climate shocks.

He has acknowledged that while Zambia has systems in place, they often fail to reach households and businesses directly thereby stressing the need for advanced technology in early warning systems.

The Minister said this when the British High Commissioner to Zambia, Rebecca Terzeon called on him at his office in Lusaka today.

Dr Siame called for greater participation of the British private sector in Zambia’s carbon markets, stressing that the country holds vast opportunities in this emerging space.

He observed that despite carbon markets being a presidential directive and a national priority, Zambia has not secured a significant share of global investment in the area.

The Minister stressed that tapping into British private sector expertise and capital can therefore help unlock financing for government and citizen-driven priorities.

“By tapping into the British private sector space, this is an area we can work around and prioritise, so that we have more participation in the carbon credit markets, innovative in nature, to open up capital finance that can speak to the investment priorities of government and of the citizens,” Dr Siame stated.

And in a separate courtesy call by Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, Dr Siame called for investment in renewable energy, noting that this would contribute to the achievement of the 10 000 megawatts electricity generation target and ultimately economic growth.

The Minister further appealed to China for environmentally friendly investment that will ensure no pollution, stressing that his Ministry wants to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

He also called for investment in the Forestry sector, especially along the TAZARA line of rail, adding that this will not only create jobs but also protect the environment.

And Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing expressed China’s readiness to introduce its artificial intelligence-driven climate pre-warning system to Zambia, as both nations grapple with the severe impacts of climate change and the looming El Niño.

Mr Han disclosed that discussions had already commenced, with officials from Zambia’s Meteorological Department under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.

“This system allows us to make pre-warnings tailored to the realities of different nations, and we would like to introduce such systems into Zambia”, Mr Han said.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Zambia, Rebecca Terzeon reaffirmed her country’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s green growth and clean energy transition, highlighting critical minerals as central to the global shift towards renewable energy.

Ms Terzeon said the UK–Zambia Green Growth Compact, signed between the two countries, continues to frame bilateral cooperation.

She noted that the compact includes key agreements such as a climate finance memorandum of understanding, under which the Climate Finance Unit was established.

Ms Terzeon noted that such initiatives are clear examples of responsible, long-term investments that deliver social and developmental benefits while boosting investor confidence in line with the Grow Zambia Agenda.

“We have a very strong and clear agenda to support the Zambian government and the Zambian people to achieve the Grow Zambia agenda sustainably and in a climate smart way,” said Ms Terzeon.