ZEMA claims 1,325 projects worth $10 billion approved in 2024

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has reportedly approved 1,325 projects in 2024, valued at a combined investment of US$10 billion, claiming a notable increase from 2023, when 1,129 projects worth US$7 billion were approved.

ZEMA Board Chairperson Professor Lovejoy Malambo, announced this in a statement on Friday, highlighting that mining projects dominated the approvals, accounting for 678 projects or 51 percent of the total.

“The Environmental Assessment Committee of ZEMA’s 5th Board of Directors approved 108 development projects at its 27th ordinary meeting held on December 27, 2024,” Malambo said.

The manufacturing sector followed with 217 projects (16 percent), energy with 196 projects (15 percent), and infrastructure with 163 projects (12 percent).

Agriculture and tourism sectors accounted for 53 and 18 projects, representing four percent and two percent, respectively.

Among the energy projects, ZEMA claimed that 14 solar and two thermal electricity initiatives were approved, collectively projected to generate 1,600 megawatts of power to help alleviate Zambia’s energy crisis.

Malambo commended developers for complying with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements and implementing measures to mitigate environmental impacts.

“The Agency is committed to the timely review of all developmental projects submitted in 2025 to expedite implementation in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner,” he added.

ZEMA also expressed gratitude to developers and the public for their alleged role in fostering sustainable development across various sectors.

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