Selected Issues Papers

Zambia faces growing challenges from climate-related natural disasters, particularly floods and droughts, which have become more frequent and severe in recent years. These events disproportionately affect the country’s large agricultural sector—especially vulnerable subsistence farmers—and the reliance on hydroelectric power makes it susceptible to drought-related disruptions in electricity supply, with cascading effects across the economy. In response, Zambia has identified its adaptation priorities and has developed a comprehensive legal and policy framework that aligns climate resilience with its long-term development agenda through national and sectoral strategies. However, implementation remains constrained by limited coordination across government levels and the absence of robust systems to track climate-related expenditures within the national budget. Effective implementation will depend on its ability to mobilize resources—both through domestic revenue and by attracting external financing.