July 26, 2025

Africa’s Climate Crusade: Reflecting on Nairobi and What to Expect in Ethiopia 

By VIOLET MENGO

Lusaka

IN September 2023, Nairobi, Kenya, became the epicenter of Africa’s fight against climate change as it hosted the first-ever Africa Climate Summit (ACS).

The event, co-hosted by the Kenyan Government and the African Union, was more than just a conference, it was a bold statement that Africa was ready to lead the global climate conversation. 

Why Nairobi’s Summit was a Game-Changer 

1. A Unified African Voice – For the first time, African leaders, activists, scientists and businesses came together under one roof to demand climate justice. The summit produced the “Nairobi Declaration”, a powerful document calling for global financial reforms, debt relief for climate-vulnerable nations and increased green investment in Africa. 

2. Focus on Solutions, Not Just Problems – Unlike many global climate talks, the ACS emphasised homegrown solutions, from renewable energy projects to regenerative agriculture. African innovators showcased technologies like solar microgrids and drought-resistant crops, proving that the continent is not just a victim of climate change but a hub of innovation. 

3. The Carbon Credit Debate – One of the most contentious discussions revolved around Africa’s vast carbon sinks (like the Congo Basin). Should Africa sell carbon credits to the West, or should these resources remain under African control? Nairobi’s summit laid the groundwork for this critical debate. 

4. Youth and Women at the Forefront – Young activists like Elizabeth Wathuti and Vanessa Nakate stole the spotlight, demanding intergenerational equity. The summit also highlighted how climate change disproportionately affects African women, who are often the backbone of agriculture and water collection. 

What to Expect at the Second Africa Climate Summit in Ethiopia (September 2025)

As Ethiopia prepares to host the second Africa Climate Summit in September 2025, expectations are even higher.

Here’s what could make this summit a turning point: 

 1. From Pledges to Action: Holding the World Accountable 

Nairobi set the stage, but Addis Ababa must push for binding commitments. African nations will likely demand that rich countries fulfill their $100 billion annual climate finance promise—a pledge that has been repeatedly broken. 

2. Green Industrialisation: Africa’s Energy Revolution 

Ethiopia, with its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and vast geothermal potential, is a fitting host for discussions on Africa’s energy transition. Expect bold calls for investment in wind, solar and hydropower to fuel the continent’s industrialisation without relying on fossil fuels. 

3. Climate Reparations and Debt Swaps

African leaders are expected to intensify calls for loss and damage funding and debt-for-climate swaps, where debt is forgiven in exchange for green investments. Ethiopia, which has faced economic challenges, may lead this charge. 

4. The Great Carbon Market Showdown 

Will Africa sell its carbon credits to the highest bidder, or will it demand fair pricing and local benefits? Ethiopia’s summit could see stricter regulations proposed to prevent exploitation. 

5. Conflict and Climate: The Overlooked Link 

With conflicts raging in Sudan, the Sahel, and the DRC—all exacerbated by climate-induced resource scarcity—the summit may finally address “climate security” as a continental priority. 

The first Africa Climate Summit was a historic moment, but the second one must be a catalyst for real change. As Ethiopia takes the baton, the world must listen because Africa is no longer just asking for help; it’s demanding justice, investment and a seat at the decision-making table. 

Will 2025 be the year Africa’s climate leadership reshapes the global order? All eyes will be on Addis Ababa this September. 

 Ends….

 

 

 

 Hunan Province a powerhouse.

By VIOLET MENGO

Changsha, China

I arrived in Changasha in Hunan  Province today June 9, 2025 for a five day tour of the province under the media fellowship of the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC).

Hunan is located in the central part of China and in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Since most of its area is south of Dongting Lake, it is called “Hunan”.

The Xiangjiang River, the larges river in the province, runs through the whole territory, so it is shortly called “Xiang”,

Since the ancient times, hibiscus has been widely planted in Hunan. Mao Zedong even praised Hunan with a poem. “The land of hibiscus is bathed in the morning sun”, so it is also known as the “land of Hibiscus”.

Hunan is the hometown of great men and a place that has produced numerous military leaders. It has magnificent mountains and rivers and profound cultural heritage.

With a population of over 73 million, ranking eighth in China, its total area is 211, 800 square kilometres, ranking 10^th in China.

In 2024, its regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached 5.3 trillion yuan ranking 10^th in China, with a year-on-year growth of 4.8 percent. The economic development shows the characteristics of “overall stability steady progress, structural optimisation and improved quality”.

Hunan has several characteristics. First, it faces unprecedented strategic opportunities. Since the 18^th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has visited Hunan four times.

Strategic opportunities such as jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, the Yangtze River Economic Belt and high-quality development in central China are intertwined.

National level platforms like the Hunan Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Pilot Zone for In Depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation and the World Computing Conference are gathering momentum.

Second, it has a solid industrial foundation. Hunan has six trillion- yuan industries, 16 hundred-billion-yuan industries and five national advanced manufacturing clusters.

The “4x4” modern industrial system is being accelerated, the low-altitude economy has created the Hunan model, green intelligent computing is accelerating its layout and the Intelligent empowerment for the ten thousand Enterprises” initiative is helping ten thousand enterprises take off.

Third, it has abundant innovation momentum. Hunan, ranking 5^th in China, the number of full-time students is 1.9 million, ranking 8^th in China. It boasts 3 “985 project universities, ranking third in China. The “4X4” Science and Technology Innovation Project is in full operation, the “1 +2” national laboratory system is being accelerated, the construction of Changsha as a global Research and Development hub and Xiangjiang Science City is in full swing. The investment in research and development funds of the whole society ranks nineth in China and second in central China.

Fourth, its investment environment has been upgraded. Expressways form a network, high speed railway form a loop and transportation hubs have taken shape. 

Electricity, computing power and power are providing efficient support . The Five-Good Parks are full of vitality, the Garden Hibiscus” fund is integrating forces and the Send Policies Solve Difficulties Services” action is helping enterprise wholeheartedly.

The business environment has achieved a three-year-level leap. The whole province and Changsha city continue to rank among the top in China and first in central China and western China.

I am glad to have visited Hunan Province for the second time, first being in 2012.

#chinadiaries #CIPCC #environmentaljournalist #traveldiaries #knowchina

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC): Benefits for Zambia

By VIOLET MENGO

Beijing, China

THE Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) 2025 meeting starts on June 10, 2025 in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the FOCAC.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will also attend the opening ceremony of the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo.

 For Zambia, the Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry  Chipoka Mulenga is expected to attend the  2025 FOCAC.

FOCAC is a pivotal platform for diplomatic and economic engagement between China and African nations.

The FOCAC Beijing Summit was successfully held in September last year. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the summit and delivered a keynote speech. China and Africa reached extensive common understandings on joining hands to advance modernization and building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Established on October 2000, in Beijing, China, as a multilateral platform to strengthen diplomatic, economic and developmental ties between China and African nations, FOCAC aims to strengthen cooperation through dialogue, trade, investment and infrastructure development.

Since its inception, FOCAC has become a key mechanism for fostering Sino-African relations, promoting trade, investment and infrastructure development.

FOCAC was officially launched during the first Ministerial Conference held in Beijing from October 10–12, 2000.

Representatives from 44 African countries and Chinese leaders attended, setting the foundation for structured cooperation.

Since then, FOCAC summits have been held every three years, alternating between China and Africa. 

It operates under several core objectives including enhancing political cooperation where high-level diplomatic exchanges, promoting mutual understanding and policy alignment between China and African nations is fostered. 

The cooperation also boosts trade and investment where the forum encourages Chinese investments in Africa while facilitating African exports to China through tariff reductions and trade agreements. 

Infrastructure development is a major focus of FOCAC and the focus is on financing and constructing of roads, railways, ports and energy projects to drive economic growth. 

China supports African nations in developing manufacturing and processing industries to reduce reliance on raw material exports through industrialisation and job creation.

FOCAC has promoted education, healthcare and skills training through scholarships, medical missions and technology transfers in its social and human development objective.  

To ensure sustainable development, China collaborates with African countries on green energy projects, climate resilience and environmental protection. 

The reasons for the formation of FOCAC was to strengthen Diplomatic and Political ties. China sought to expand its global influence by deepening relations with Africa, a continent with significant geopolitical importance.

By establishing FOCAC, China aimed to counter western dominance: At the time, Western nations held considerable economic and political sway in Africa.

FOCAC provided an alternative partnership model based on mutual respect and "win-win" cooperation. 

Both China and African nations belonged to the Global South and FOCAC became a platform for collective bargaining in international affairs. 

China’s rapid industrialisation in the late 20th century created a demand for raw materials, which Africa possessed in abundance. FOCAC facilitated. 

African countries like Zambia (copper), Angola (oil), and the DRC (cobalt) became key suppliers for China’s growing economy. 

Before FOCAC, China-African trade was relatively small. The forum helped formalise trade agreements, leading to exponential growth—trade surged from $10 billion in 2000 to over $200 billion by 2023. 

Many African nations lacked adequate infrastructure, hindering economic growth. China, with its expertise in large-scale construction, used FOCAC to finance and build critical projects such as roads, railways, ports and energy plants through Chinese loans and grants. 

For enhanced regional connectivity, projects like the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) and Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway improved intra-African trade.

African economies were (and still are) heavily reliant on raw material exports. FOCAC was designed to encourage value addition. China invested in manufacturing and processing plants in Africa, such as Zambia’s copper refineries. 

FOCAC was established to transfer technology and skills through training programs and industrial parks which have been established to boost local expertise. 

China used FOCAC to position itself as a reliable partner, contrasting with Western conditional aid. Its key strategies included debt relief and grants. Unlike traditional lenders, China offered flexible financing terms.

China offered humanitarian aid where medical teams, scholarships and disaster relief improved China’s image in Africa. 

Zambia, as one of Africa’s key partners with China, has significantly benefited from FOCAC initiatives, particularly in infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and social development. 

The country has been an active participant in FOCAC since its inception. The country’s strategic location and rich mineral resources make it a key partner for China in Southern Africa.

Over the years, Zambia has secured numerous investments and development projects under FOCAC frameworks. 

One of Zambia’s most significant gains from FOCAC has been infrastructure modernisation. Chinese-funded projects under infrastructure development are roads and bridges.

The Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway, the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport expansion and the Kafue Hook Bridge have improved connectivity and trade. 

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), though initially built in the 1970s, has seen rehabilitation support from China to enhance regional trade. 

The Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station, financed by China, has boosted Zambia’s electricity generation capacity under the energy projects.

In the mining and economic diversification, Zambia’s economy heavily relies on copper mining and Chinese investments have revitalized the sector.

Companies like China Non-Ferrous Metals Mining Corporation (CNMC) operate mines in Zambia, providing jobs and technology transfers.

Additionally, FOCAC has encouraged value addition in mining, with Chinese firms investing in copper processing plants to reduce raw mineral exports. 

Through FOCAC, Zambia has benefited from agricultural modernisation initiatives to ensure food security. China has provided farming technology through training programs and machinery to improve productivity. 

The establishment of agricultural parks, such as the China-Zambia Agricultural Demonstration Centre, has enhanced crop yields and agribusiness opportunities.

In the education sector and Skills Development, FOCAC has facilitated educational exchanges, with thousands of Zambian students receiving scholarships to study in China.

Additionally, vocational training centres, such as the Zambia-China Vocational College, equip Zambians with technical skills in engineering, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), and manufacturing. 

China has been instrumental in improving Zambia’s healthcare system through medical teams where Chinese doctors regularly work in Zambian hospitals, offering specialised care. 

The construction of the Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital in Lusaka was supported by China.  During COVID-19, China donated vaccines and medical supplies to Zambia for pandemic response.

Under FOCAC, Zambia has seen increased trade with China, exporting copper, tobacco and gemstones while importing machinery and electronics.

The Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, established in 2007 hosts over 60 companies and has created thousands of jobs. 

Despite the benefits, some concerns remain, including debt sustainability and ensuring that investments align with Zambia’s long-term development goals.

Moving forward, Zambia must negotiate favourable terms under FOCAC to maximise gains in industrialisation, job creation and technology transfer. 

FOCAC has played a transformative role in Zambia’s development, particularly in infrastructure, mining, agriculture and social services.

While challenges persist, the partnership continues to offer immense opportunities for economic growth and regional integration.

With strategic planning, Zambia can further leverage FOCAC to achieve sustainable development and prosperity. 

Over two decades later, FOCAC remains a cornerstone of China-Africa relations, driving development projects across the continent—including Zambia’s infrastructure boom and industrial growth.

While debates over debt sustainability persist, FOCAC’s role in reshaping Africa’s economic landscape is undeniable. 

 

 

Yunnan Coffee Processing Plant Company Limited: A Leader in China’s Coffee Industry 

VIOLET MENGO

Beijing, China

ONE of the highlights of my trip to Yunnan Province was visiting Yunnan Coffee Processing Plant Company Limited, a key player in China’s coffee industry. 

Yunnan produces over 95 percent of China’s coffee, with regions like Pu’er, Baoshan, Dehong, and Xishuangbanna being major growing areas. 

The province is renowned for its high-quality Arabica beans, attracting global brands like Starbucks, Nestlé, and Illy.  

Company Background  

Established in 1992 as a joint project between the Chinese Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Yunnan Coffee Processing Plant was China’s first modern coffee processing factory. 

Now a subsidiary of Yunnan Provincial Modern Agricultural Development Group, the company has over 30 years of experience in coffee processing.  

As a vice president unit of the Yunnan Coffee Industry Association, the company helps draft national coffee standards.

Its mission—“Revitalising agriculture with green development and benefiting the country and the people”—reflects its commitment to sustainability and quality.  

Processing Methods 

Yunnan’s coffee processing plants use three main methods:  

1. Washed (Wet) Processing – Common for export-grade beans, involving pulp removal and fermentation before drying.  

2. Natural (Dry) Processing – Cherries are dried whole, producing sweeter, fruitier flavors.  

3. Honey (Pulped Natural) Processing – A hybrid method where some mucilage is left on the beans for enhanced sweetness.  

Some specialty processors also experiment with anaerobic fermentation and other advanced techniques.  

Key Players and Brands 

- Starbucks Yunnan Coffee Project – Partners with local farmers to improve quality.  

- Nestlé Yunnan Coffee Development Program– Provides training and sources beans for instant coffee.  

- Local Brands – ManLao River Coffee(specialty-grade), AiNi Coffee (well-known Yunnan producer), and Sealanda (exporter).  

Challenges and  Future Trends  

Despite progress, challenges remain:  

- Quality Control – Many processors still focus on bulk commercial coffee, though specialty coffee is growing.  

- Sustainability Efforts– Farms are adopting eco-friendly methods like water-saving pulpers and solar drying.  

- Rising Domestic Demand – Chinese consumers are increasingly drinking locally produced specialty coffee.  

Yunnan Coffee Processing Plant Company Limited represents the evolution of China’s coffee industry, blending tradition with innovation. With growing global recognition and a focus on sustainability, Yunnan is set to become an even bigger name in specialty coffee.  

 June 5, 2025

World Environment Day: A Call to Action for a Healthier Planet 

By VIOLET MENGO

As we celebrate World Environment Day today, the urgency to protect our planet has never been greater.

Climate change, deforestation, pollution and biodiversity loss threaten the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

But amid these challenges lies an opportunity—a chance to rewrite our future through collective action. 

World Environment Day is not just a reminder of our environmental crises, it’s a global movement empowering individuals, communities and nations to take meaningful steps toward sustainability.

This World Environment Day, the spotlight is on one of the most pressing environmental crises of our time: “Ending Plastic Pollution: A call to Action”

Every year, over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally and a staggering 11 million tonnes end up in oceans, choking marine life, contaminating food chains and polluting ecosystems for centuries. 

But here’s the good news: We can change this. 

🔹Less than 10 percent of plastic is recycled—the rest lingers in landfills, rivers and oceans. 

🔹 Microplastics are now found in our blood, water, and even the air we breathe. 

🔹 Plastic production fuels climate change, relying on fossil fuels and emitting greenhouse gases. 

This is not just an environmental issue—it’s a human health crisis. 

We won’t solve plastic pollution overnight, but every step counts.

You can be part of the solution by:

Refuse Single-Use Plastics – Say no to straws, plastic bags and disposable cutlery. Opt for reusable alternatives. 

Choose sustainable packaging – Support brands that use biodegradable or refillable containers. 

Recycle Right – Learn your local recycling rules to prevent contamination. 

Demand Change – Push for stronger policies on plastic bans and corporate accountability. 

Join Clean-ups – Participate in local beach, river, or neighborhood clean-ups. 

Individual actions matter, but we need governments and corporations to act faster: 

✅ Strict bans on unnecessary single-use plastics. 

✅ Investment in circular economies—where plastic is reused, not wasted. 

✅ Global treaties (like the UN’s Plastic Pollution Agreement) to hold polluters accountable. 

            Hope in Action

From zero-waste communities to innovative plastic-eating enzymes, solutions are emerging. The question is: Will we act in time? 

This World Environment Day, let’s commit to breaking free from plastic. Our planet shouldn’t pay the price for our convenience. 

#WorldEnvironmentDay #BeatPlasticPollution #PlanetVsPlastic #EndPlasticWaste #SustainableLiving 

Zambia Signs Bilateral Agreements to Support the Energy Sector

 

November 19, 2024 

VIOLET MENGO

Lusaka: THE 29^th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) has seen Zambia witnessed two landmark events towards article six cooperation of the Paris Agreement and continued action towards climate change.

Minister of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE) signed bilateral agreements with Norway and Sweden at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan under its current engagement with buyer countries for carbon credits.

On November 16, 2024, Government signed a bilateral agreement for Article 6 Cooperative Approaches with Norway.

Mike Mposha (left) with Mr Sandvik

The agreement was signed by Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment Mr Tore Onshuus Sandvik and Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha.

The event was graced by other officials from both parties and supporting intergovernmental agencies at a momentous occasion that signifies cooperation towards climate action, emission reduction and achieving of global targets.

Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment, Mr Sandvik said that Norway believes cooperation under Article 6 can provide much needed finance for green investments in developing countries.

“Today, our countries are taking a major leap forward, paving the way for green investments in Zambia and a contribution to global mitigation ambitions,” he said.

Mr Mposha, the event was as a culmination of our respective preparations and efforts to ensure that we reach this milestone agreement.

On November 18, 2024 Government represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Dr Douty Chibamba signed a bilateral agreement with Sweden’s Swedish Energy Agency.

The event came after months of engagement with Sweden, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in August 2024 in Lusaka.

Zambia and Sweden

 The Swedish Energy Agency is one of Sweden’s   key expert government agencies which   promotes energy efficiency measures and   investments in renewable energy technologies   and is mandated to implement climate   cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris   Agreement.

 Acting Director General of the Swedish Energy   Agency Caroline Asserup, who signed on behalf   of the government of Sweden said “This   bilateral cooperation agreement is an important   step towards establishing concrete climate   projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions,   contribute to sustainable development and help   raise climate ambition in both Sweden and Zambia. We are pleased to further strengthen the cooperation between our two countries.” 

Mr Mposha, was one of the many dignitaries attending the signing ceremony.

He said “Our government is serious about participating in international carbon markets as an important avenue to achieve our nationally determined contributions, generate new carbon finance revenue streams, which will increase the country’s mitigation ambition and contribute to the sustainable development of our nation.”

The minister acknowledged both the Norwegian and the Swedish governments for their continued commitment towards climate action.

He further added that signing of the bilateral agreements would help Zambia as it opens up opportunities for public and private sector energy project developers to access carbon finance and pursue renewable energy power generation.

Both events were supported by the Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) Program, led by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) with GFA Consulting Group and UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre as the leading delivery partners in Zambia.

SPAR6C aims to catalyze investment in greenhouse emissions reductions by supporting its implementation countries to enable transactions of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) as allowed under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

Over the past two years, Zambia has progressed in the development of its carbon market framework and is in the process of developing first mitigation activities with the support of SPAR6C.

The Paris Agreement, signed by 197 countries in 2015, represents a historic global effort to combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Article 6 of the Paris agreement is the cornerstone for international cooperation, fostering global carbon market mechanisms that enable countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while fostering sustainable development.

Zambia is currently facing an energy deficit due to a combination of factors including a growing demand for electricity and limited investments in the energy sector.

These factors coupled with a severe drought and high dependence on hydropower, have drastically affected the capacity of its hydroelectric power plants to generate sufficient power to support economic growth.

Government, through the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, have been seeking alternatives and exploring renewable energy and energy efficiency options to support the country’s efforts in power generation and low carbon power sector development.

November 14, 2024

VIOLET MENGO

Lusaka

THE 29th edition of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) opened on November 12, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan under the theme; “In solidarity for a Green World.”

Delegates have gathered for COP29, which has been dubbed the “Finance COP” due to its sharp focus on securing a robust climate finance agreement—the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), aimed at addressing the urgent need for climate adaptation and driving a global phase – out of fossil fuels including oil and gas, a backbone of many developed countries.

Climate finance, according to the UNFCCC, refers to local, national or transnational financing, drawn from public, private and alternative sources of financing that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that aimed at addressing climate change.

The Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement call for financial assistance from Parties with more financial resources to those that are less endowed and more vulnerable.

For the African continent, COP29 is quite significant in a number of ways including the need for the realisation of the much-needed finance for adaptation and mitigation.

The African continent, just like other developing countries, look to COP29 to yield the desired finance from the developed countries for climate action.

When the African Heads of State and Governments gathered for the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) in Nairobi, Kenya from September 4-6, 2023, the leaders called upon the global community to act with urgency in reducing emissions, fulfilling its obligations, honouring past promises, and supporting the continent in addressing climate change.

The leaders called for the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage fund as agreed at COP27 and resolved for a measurable Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) with indicators and targets to enable assessment of progress against negative impacts of climate change.

Some delegates

 
 Heads of State and Government also called for the strengthening     of    early warning systems and climate information services, as   well as   taking early action to protect lives, livelihoods and assets   and    inform long-term decision-making related to climate change   risks.

 The call was with the understanding that many African countries   face disproportionate burdens and risks arising from climate   change  related unpredictable weather events and patterns including prolonged droughts, devastating floods, out of season storms and wildfires, which cause massive humanitarian crises with detrimental impacts on economies, health, education, peace and security.

A Researcher on climate finance and co-leads Global finance and Investments Areas at the Alliance of Bioversity International and International Centre for Tropical Agriculture’s Centre action, Pedro Chilambe, shares that the NCQG, which will be discussed at COP29 aims to re-establish and update the 100 billion which was set in Copenhagen in 2009 for developing countries.

Chilambe

“COP29 is a very important opportunity to guarantee that climate finance helps countries to achieve the targets both for mitigation and adaptation. This needs to be a well voiced push for grants financing to be the pillar of this goal. We have over 30 percent of climate finance coming in the form of loans,” Mr Chilambe says.

 He explains that one of the biggest challenges has been to accessing adaptation finance, and points out that a lot needs to be done to guarantee that countries are capacitated to access climate finance including in form of grant based financial instruments and mechanisms.

“Standardising the processes will be ideal so that we do not need to build different expertise to be able to access each one of the mechanisms but also to simplify the processes because we find ourselves having to do so much to access funding climate finance.

He asserts that the process should not be complex to access the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for example, as it is today.

“It is not just the complexity in terms of what is required in the processes, it is also the amount of investment needed to access the investments. To develop a GCF, proposal, there are hundreds of thousands of dollars that need to be invested for a country to access the funding,” he said.

He disclosed that most of the project preparatory facilities that exist, ranges between 100, 000 to almost a million for countries to be able to get one proposal to move forward.

From the African Union perspective, one of the key issues that needs to be done at COP29 is for developed countries to honour the Copenhagen commitment.

Africa Union (AU) One Health Data Alliance, Mary Kariuki is of the view that the commitment should be honoured so that the African continent that is suffering most of the impacts and effects of climate change can mitigate and adapt.

“We need to ask ourselves what mitigation and adaptation action we are putting in place because livestock on Africa are well adapted to our climate and we are really not contributing so much to the green gas emissions, only about four percent,” she said.

Her call is for African Governments to push the agenda and ensure there is international commitment towards what was agreed in the past.

For Zambia, the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha is leading the delegation of climate change experts and is very optimistic of a good ending of the climate negotiations.

Mr Mposha who, on November 12, had a bilateral meeting with the Executive Director of the Loss and Damage Fund, Dr Ibrahim Cheikh Diong, said meeting discussed among other issues, Zambia’s nomination to host the fund board meeting in 2026, which will let Zambia become the first host the fund board meeting in Africa.

Dr Diong was particularly impressed with Zambia’s instrumental role played in the in the growth of the loss and damage fund. 

 

November 13, 2024

VIOLET MENGO

Lusaka        

THE African Group of Negotiators (AGN) has re-affirmed its position, highlighting adaptation and climate finance as its top priorities at the 29th session of the Conference of Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which opened on Tuesday.

In keeping with the conference theme: ‘In solidarity for a Green World,’ AGN Chair, Ali Mohamed has underscored the importance of adaptation and climate finance, pointing out that the group has a clear mandate from its leaders to ensure fruitful outcomes on the two agenda items, in solidarity with the continent’s 1.4 billion people.

“We will be firm for COP29 to deliver on climate finance and adaptation, regardless of the circumstances surrounding our participation and who we are as a group,” said Ambassador Mohamed.

“We are here, representing the aspirations of 1.4 billion Africans, and we will ensure that we don’t fail. We have a clear mandate from our leaders that the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate finance must align with actual transition costs faced by developing nations, as the current frameworks substantially underestimate the capital required for nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) implementation across the continent.”

With a proposed quantum of US$1.3 trillion as the minimum annual threshold for climate finance, the African Group has continued to stress the importance of delivering climate resources through concessional instruments and grants, as current market-rate mechanisms have proven wholly insufficient for addressing the scale of adaptation and loss and damage responses required across Africa.

“For us in Africa, adaptation means agriculture support, resilient water infrastructure, and universal health coverage for all, amidst an increased climate-induced disease burden, among other necessary development support. We are therefore not treating our development needs as a separate subject from climate adaptation, which cuts across all our development needs in key sectors,” emphasized
the AGN Chair.

AGN Chair Ambassador Mohamed

Ambassador Mohamed highlighted the urgent need for enhanced climate financing and inclusion of health within the UNFCCC space, in a more structured way.

“Africa group is alive to the urgent need for enhanced climate financing support, with particular emphasis on grant-based and other non-debt burdening financing models for the health sector in Africa. We believe it is also about time for the health sector's inclusion and active participation within the UNFCCC space, in a more structured way,” said Ambassador Mohamed.

Other priority areas for the African group include the critical need for formal recognition of Africa's special circumstances under the Paris Agreement, highlighting the asymmetry between the continent's minimal emissions (four percent of global emissions) and disproportionate vulnerability to climate impacts, mainly seen in agriculture, water, energy and health sectors and the push for the Just Transition work programme to reflect Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) principles in its operational frameworks.

Africa is also calling for the operationalisation of the fund for Loss and Damage to support African countries in coping with the irreversible impacts of climate change and aid in the recovery of affected communities and finalisation of rules for carbon markets that are robust and deliver environmental integrity and the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement.

Can city relocation end cholera outbreaks?

February 21, 2018

VIOLET MENGO

Lusaka

 
CHOLERA, a highly contagious waterborne disease with the ability to cause death within 24 hours, has in the past few months ravaged the city of Lusaka. This notorious epidemic that knows no class broke out in October last year and has so far claimed about 80 lives while 3,635 people have been treated.

Some of the areas that were affected by cholera include Chipata, Kanyama, Chawama, Matero, Chilenje and Chelston.

However, on the bright side, the disease has inculcated good habits in people such as the cautious disposal of garbage, washing of hands after using the toilet and drinking treated or boiled water.

But, without adequate clean drinking water, better sanitation and hygiene practices, it is difficult to maintain high standards of cleanliness and win the fight against cholera.

It is believed that lack of access to clean drinking water and better sanitation are among the factors that ignited the outbreak of cholera in the capital city. However, Government has worked hard to curb the disease, but what remains is to find a lasting solution to recurrent cholera outbreaks.

Meanwhile, after a long dry spell in Lusaka, the heavens have finally decided to open up, and alas, causing floods in some townships of Lusaka.

And as the heavy rain pounds the rooftops of Kanyama township, Elledy Musumala closes the window of her tiny house and sighs.
“The rains are here and there is cholera too,” Mrs Musumala notes. She then explains how the outbreak of cholera in the unplanned settlement has negatively affected the lives of many people due to water shortages and the inadequacies of water infrastructure.

EIZ president George Sitali addresses members at the Indaba

Ms Musumala, who has lived her entire life in Kanyama, is now worried because the cholera epidemic has become a perennial problem.

Water supply and sanitation has been a huge challenge in most unplanned townships of Lusaka, prompting residents to draw water from unprotected shallow wells which are unsafe.

The UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number six calls on countries to ensure access to water and sanitation for all. Improving these services to bring about economic gains is key in building resilience due to increased climate variability.

Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) president George Sitali believes that the solutions to combating cholera include brainstorming and sharing of ideas that have the potential to produce feasible models.

Recently, EIZ held an indaba dubbed ‘Sustainable development in the water and sanitation sector” to put in place permanent measures to avoid future disease outbreaks.

Mr Sitali said the indaba theme had clear links to the Seventh National Development Plan under the growth outcome number three which emphasises improved access to water supply and sanitation.

EIZ’s mandate is to advise Government on matters relating to the engineering profession, to investigate and monitor national emergencies of public concern by, or likely to be caused by, an engineering product or service and recommend appropriate preventive and rehabilitative measures.

“Cholera response requires structural responses,” one of the engineers, Ennie Muchelemba, noted in her presentation entitled: “Rural water supply-faecal contamination of groundwater: Does disinfection using chlorine make the water safe?’’

Ms Muchelemba stated that safe drinking water should be free from pathogenic organisms and low in concentration of compounds that are acutely toxic.

This year, Government has allocated K564.5 million for water and sanitation in the national budget.
According to the National Water and Sanitation Council (NWASCO), access to water supply in urban areas stands at 86 percent, while in rural areas it is at 48 percent. This means that over six million people are without sanitation facilities.

Daniel Nkhuwa, a geology lecturer in the School of Mines at the University of Zambia, suggested that the capital city should shift from Lusaka to another place where proper city planning will be possible.

Professor Nkhuwa said over the years, Lusaka’s perspective has been lost, hence the need for an urgent re-think on how future developments of the city should be implemented.

He said there is need for a complete uproot of the capital city to some new location whose geology could allow for on-site sanitation system.

“The choices made many years ago have impacted on current waterborne diseases. The onsite sanitation should not have been permitted because the geology on the ground (of Lusaka) does not allow it,” he said.

Professor Nkhuwa’s presentation was entitled: ‘Is sustainable urban water development and prevention of waterborne diseases attainable in Lusaka under its current sanitation practices?’

While a lot still needs to be done to correct the current situation, especially in Lusaka, efforts on the ground are slowly yielding fruit. The US$355 million Millennium Challenge Account (MCC) project which aims at improving water, sanitation and drainage infrastructure has been almost completed.

The project is meant to help reduce the incidences of water-related diseases, give households more time for income generation, make businesses more productive and prevent residential floods.

It is for this reason that Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection principal engineer for rural water supply and sanitation, Abel Manangi, called on engineers to influence change in the prevention of waterborne diseases through timely advice.

“We hope the team of engineers working with Government will consider re-planning or re-development of cities and slums where disease outbreaks are frequent,” Mr Manangi noted.

Adding more insight on the topic, WaterAID technical manager Adamson Sakala advised engineers to be emphatic and proactive for their decisions to be taken seriously and implemented.

“We need to target the causes of cholera. This implies building water systems in whole cities and villages in endemic areas,” Mr Sakala said.

The resolutions of the indaba will be presented to Government for possible action. Former EIZ president Bernard Chiwala will lead the team of experts in drafting the position paper.

Adolescent girls making impact

VIOLET MENGO

Lusaka

Charity

 

IN A country where formal employment for young people is not readily available, Charity Phiri, 27, of Ng’ombe in Lusaka, is making ends meet at the Foundation for the Realisation of Economic Empowerment (FREE).

The foundation serves as an example of what economic empowerment of young people is all about.
Located in the heart of Ng’ombe township, FREE is a project generating income for young people through copper jewellery-making.
It started in 2010 by Dawn Bridget Close, initially targeting older women who were taught to make copper jewellery, but now has a bias towards young people.

This is because young people are said to be enthusiastic, open- minded to new innovations and are usually more eager to learn than the older women.

The foundation has a team of 10 dedicated adolescent girls who have been trained and are able to make different copper jewellery, including earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

Charity, the eighth born in a family of 10, completed her Grade 12 from Olympia School in Lusaka in 2007.

When she could not be supported to pursue her dream career in law, she had no option but to join FREE in 2013.

This was in a bid to raise money that could help her to carry on her dream career to become a lawyer.
“I learnt about the foundation from my aunt who used to be a member. I am here with the sole purpose of raising money that will allow me to go to study law,” Charity says.

She believes by becoming a lawyer, she will get the opportunity to defend the vulnerable people who lack legal representation in courts of law.

Charity also desires to uplift the status of her family which is currently known as a poor one with no hope of becoming better.

She is able to make any sort of jewellery using copper after undergoing training in jewellery production.

The products that she and the other girls make are sold locally at the Saturday market at Arcades Shopping Mall and other international markets such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
However, despite her determination to raise money for college, Charity has not been able to save as expected. This is because her income is unpredictable.

“I receive my wage depending on the products that I make and are sold out, this makes saving quite difficult. I always look forward to better sales of jewellery so that I could save enough money for college,” she says.

The highest amount of money Charity has bagged home was K1,800 in 2016. Her target is to make K3,000 per month.

Despite the meagre income she earns from FREE, Charity has developed love for jewellery -making and hopes to own her jewellery shop in future. This could be probably after she achieves her dream of becoming a lawyer.

According to her, if she had an opportunity, she could have borrowed money from the bank so that she could start the business and eventually raise funds for her university education. She has not been able to do so because banks demand that she provides collateral security.

She attests that it is difficult for small entrepreneurs without any form of collateral to get a loan from bank, but she is optimistic that the future is bright for her as she will not give up dreaming.

She works at the foundation five days a week from 09:00 hours to 17:00 hours and rests on Saturdays and Sundays.

FREE-funded by the Finnish embassy, encourages the young people to be assertive and plan to establish their own enterprises in future.

The foundation receives US$700 from the Finnish embassy monthly.

The founder, Ms Close, says the foundation aims to reverse the marginalisation of adolescents by providing them with the opportunity to better their lives.

This is in a bid to break the cycle of dependency through empowering young women to earn income.
The funding from the Finnish embassy is used to buy copper pieces which the girls use to make different jewellery sold locally and in other countries like the DRC.

The funding also enables Ms Close to train more young women how to run small businesses and become self-reliant.

“I chose the jewellery business because the global market for the business is growing, offering opportunities for the ladies to exploit the market,” Ms Close says.

Her goal is to add value to copper as too often African countries like Zambia are stripped of their natural resources when they are exported in raw form.

“Our jewellery is made from recycled copper, hot water heaters and from electrical wire,” she said.
FREE is moving towards processing its own semi-precious gemstones which will add greater value and appeal to the jewellery.

The young women at the foundation are happy with the kind of training and empowerment they have received. They hope to use the skill and knowledge to run their own enterprises in future.

Jemima Chilekwa, 25, is a University of Zambia (UNZA) graduate who completed in 2017. She has joined the foundation to gain entrepreneurial skills with the hope of running her own business.

“I studied Library Science and Development Studies, and when I could not find a job, the foundation took me in and I like what I am doing here,” Jemima said.

She believes adolescent girls need to rise up to the challenge to become agents of change by thinking ‘outside the box and embracing new things’.

Jemima has also been trained in silver smelting and looks forward to utilising the skill in future.
“My goal is to become finally independent,” Jemima says.

Collin Kaluba, 21, works closely with Jemima in silver smelting and the girls are excited and are determined to face and exploit future opportunities.

Finnish Ambassador to Zambia Timo Olkkonen said the embassy will continue to support initiatives that aim to uplift the well-being of the vulnerable.

TIZ tips Zambia on REDD+ funding management

VIOLET MENGO

Lusaka

THE first time one hears about REDD+, one gets bemused as to what the little-known United Nations instrument is all about. 

The acronym stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. 

It is a mechanism under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) with the objective of mitigating climate change through reducing net emissions of greenhouse gases through enhanced forest management.

REDD+ is a proposed mechanism aimed at slowing climate change which would involve a massive transfer of money from developed countries as part of their commitment to decrease the impact of their own carbon emissions.

It also provides benefits to the forests dwelling communities in developing countries by measuring countries’ contribution to stabilising the atmosphere and to pay for it.

REDD+ has generally been lauded as a beautiful idea in efforts towards decelerating climate change.

indiscriminate cutting down of trees for charcoal.

In Zambia, the Lower Zambezi REDD+ Project is the first pilot project, which encompasses approximately 40 000 hectares of primary Miombo forests.

The area strategically protects 60 kilometers of the national parks boundary by providing a buffer zone between the park and communal areas which have a growing human population and a thriving charcoal business along the Great East Road.

In the Nationally Determined Contribution which Zambia presented to Conference of Parties in Paris in 2015, the country has pledged to ensure sustainable forestry management as part of its effort to fight climate change.

These and many more initiatives are being addressed to ensure sustainability of trees.

This is against the background that despite the world having three trillion trees on earth, practices such as cutting down trees, draining swamps and burning bushes to make way for agriculture, produce between 10 and 20 percent of greenhouse gas emission.

In an era of climate change, destroying forests is one of the most harmful activities. Forests are well known for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, but when they are burned, they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Climate change is probably the most significant challenge facing the world today. It is estimated that the forest sector and other sectors that impact land use through deforestation, forest degradation and other changes in forests contribute approximately 17 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Considering the colossal amount of money in the REDD+  funding, Transparency International Zambia (TIZ)  has taken a proactive measure, urging Zambia to ensure that the funds, once made available, are put to good use. The organization is  not only creating awareness on the REDD+  initiative, but has come up with initiatives that could prevent any form of corruption that comes with big money.

 “Where there is money exchange, there is always some form of corruption that come through”,” TIZ president Lee Habasonda said.

As such TIZ launched an assessment report on corruption vulnerability for REDD+ in Zambia.

The report entitled “A corruption vulnerability assessment for REDD in Zambia highlights the link between REDD+ and corruption. 

The report has pointed out that a vast number of forests where REDD+ is being promoted and funded are located within developing countries, which may be vulnerable to corruption and weak governance.

It also points out that many REDD+ pilot projects are in remote rural areas which making it difficult to monitor.

“Forests carbon remains an intangible commodity to be traded so it can be manipulated and also large influxes of funds from international development community and technical complexity of terminologies used which creates and maintains a situation of information asymmetry,” Habasonda said.

“Forests are a vital part of the carbon cycle both storing and releasing this essential element in a dynamic process of growth, decay, disturbance and renewal. It is an important commodity to be traded and therefore be manipulated, especially when it involve huge amounts of money from the international community,” Mr Habasonda said.

He said technical complexity of terminologies used creates and maintains a situation of information irregularity that opens doors for manipulation.

The various manifestations of corruption in the forestry sectors of countries receiving REDD+ funds are challenges that pose an obstacle to achieving the economic, environmental and social objectives of REDD+.

Mr Habasonda said the challenges suggest significant threats to the success of REDD+ if effective anti- corruption safeguards are not built from the start.

According to him, the launch of the assessment report is the beginning of getting people appreciate and take measures to ensure that there are able to survive and work within the framework that is available. 

Mr Habasonda said the challenges suggest significant safeguards are not built in from the start.

grow the forests

The report aims at bringing out the potential or existing corruption risks in REDD+ and forestry sector in the country so that they might be proactively addressed.

At the end of the report, are recommendations aimed at strengthening systems and processes to protect REDD+ from corruption.

Some of the recommendations include a call to ensure the full and effective participation of stakeholders in decision making and strengthening of forestry management.

The report also recommends security of land tenure especially on customary land, fair allocation and disbursement of funds and enforcement of laws and regulations as well as access to justice. 

Climate change has assumed a level of critical importance and Mr Habasonda says it is important that communities in Zambia understand some initiatives taking place in the country such as the REDD+ to monitor related activities.

The involvement of all people remains key, especially the political leadership.

President Edgar Lungu participated actively in the conference of parties which was held in Morocco.

And he is concerned that climate change can reverse the gains that the country has made and has called for concerted effort from all stakeholders in the fight against climate change.

His action and timely advice has been welcomed by TIZ who say President Lungu has shown exemplary leadership in the fight against climate change and should be commended.

“President Edgar Lungu has shown exemplary leadership in the fight against climate change to which both state and non-state should wakeup to the occasion and address climate change effectively,” he said.

Mr Habasonda called on Government to ensure that ministries provide funding to the relevant sections that are managing forestry and natural resources.