Zambia Secures US$3.6 Million Grant to Upgrade Climate Monitoring Infrastructure
Zambia has been awarded an investment phase grant of US$3,627,540 from the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), following approval by the 13th SOFF Steering Committee. Announced by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the funding will support the procurement and installation of modern weather observation stations across the country, building on a readiness and preparatory phase that began at COP28 in 2023. The project will also develop technical capacity and ensure sustainable management of existing observation infrastructure in districts and catchment areas.
The upgraded network is expected to close critical climate data gaps and bring Zambia into compliance with the Global Basic Observing Network, the internationally mandated system underpinning global weather monitoring. Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha said the investment would improve the delivery of accurate, location-specific early warning systems to protect agriculture, energy and infrastructure from climate impacts. The World Food Programme will serve as implementing entity, with the UK Met Office providing technical guidance. Authorities note the improved infrastructure will also enable Zambia to contribute weather data to global forecasting systems, while the SOFF grant is expected to complement existing climate financing mechanisms including the African Development Bank's Climate Action Window. Deployment of new infrastructure and capacity building programmes will begin once funds are disbursed.
Source: Efficacy News Africa
