Building Climate Resilience to Drive Growth, Jobs and Poverty Reduction in Zambia - World Bank
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Photo - Towfiqu Barbhuiya/Unsplash
A new World Bank Group report finds that with smart and cost-effective development investments, Zambia can address climate risks and get on a path of inclusive, private sector–led growth, strengthening resilience and expanding economic opportunities and jobs for the country’s growing young population.
The Zambia Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) analyses how climate change is affecting the country’s development prospects and identifies opportunities and practical actions to support inclusive growth, protect livelihoods, and build resilience - while contributing to global climate goals. The report highlights extreme weather as a growing constraint on Zambia’s development, with recurrent droughts already disrupting agriculture, hydropower generation and household incomes - particularly for poor and rural households whose livelihoods are especially vulnerable to such climate related shocks. Contd
“Climate risks are no longer in the distant future for Zambia; they are already shaping development outcomes today,” said Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia. “Zambia can build resilience through targeted smart investments and policy reforms that will also protect its people, accelerate economic growth, and create jobs.”
The report also underscores the need to mobilise stronger private sector participation alongside climate and development finance. Creating a predictable policy environment, strengthening institutions and reducing climate‑related risks can unlock private investment and spur innovation.
The CCDR recommends a strategic pathway for Zambia organised around four priority areas -
- Transform rural livelihoods. Expand smart agriculture, irrigation and mechanisation to boost productivity and resilience, protect forests and unlock climate and carbon finance.
- Plan for green, resilient cities. Steer urban growth away from flood areas, upgrade informal settlements and invest in resilient infrastructure to support growth and attract private investment.
- Crowd in private investment for green industry, infrastructure. Continue mining sector reforms and renewable energy diversification, while building resilient, durable transport networks and expanding public–private partnerships to lower logistics costs and emissions.
- Protect, build human capital. Strengthen disaster risk systems and adaptive social protection, build skills needed for emerging jobs in key sectors, such as energy, agriculture, and construction.
“Zambia’s challenge is to embrace the reforms and build the robust institutions needed to manage natural resources, crowd in private investment and translate them into higher living standards to reduce households’ vulnerability to climate risks,” said Dominick de Waal, Senior Economist at the World Bank and co-author of the report.
