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The Swedish government has pledged an additional US$2 million to Zambia’s Social Cash Transfer programme to help mitigate the effects of the climate change-induced drought.
This commitment was announced by Swedish Ambassador to Zambia, Johan Hallenborg, during a courtesy call on Green Economy and Environment Minister Mike Elton Mposha at his office in Lusaka on Wednesday.
Ambassador Hallenborg noted that both Zambia and Sweden are grappling with the impacts of climate change.
He highlighted previous Swedish support, including a US$1 million donation to the World Food Programme for humanitarian aid, which he recently observed in Monze District, where the effects of drought were evident.
“The additional US$2 million will bolster the Social Cash Transfer program, enhancing grants for vulnerable populations across Zambia,” Hallenborg said.
“We are also significant contributors to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF), which has allocated US$5.5 million to Zambia to combat drought.
Read more: Zambia’s drought response must focus on child protection, says UNICEF
“Sweden remained committed to supporting Zambia in these challenging times,” he added.
Hallenborg stated the importance of a close working relationship with Zambia, especially in multilateral forums such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP).
In response, Minister Mposha expressed gratitude for the international support and outlined Zambia’s efforts to develop climate-resilient infrastructure, enhance disaster preparedness, and promote climate-smart agriculture.
He reaffirmed Zambian government’s commitment to economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
“The partnership with cooperating partners like Sweden is vital for addressing climate change, environmental degradation, and deforestation while pursuing green growth and job creation,” Mposha said.
He also emphasized the shared interests between Zambia and Sweden at both bilateral and multilateral levels and expressed a desire to strengthen these ties.
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