Zambia Receives New Support to Increase Resilience to Economic and Climate Shocks

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2026 - The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved the Second Zambia Climate and Economic Resilience Development Policy Financing (DPF), reinforcing the country's efforts to strengthen economic stability and private-sector-led growth, enhance resilience to climate and disaster risks, and create more and better jobs.

This grant of $45 million is part of the World Bank's broad-based support, helping Zambia shift to a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth path. It builds on progress under the first operation ($100 million) in the programmatic series, advancing Zambia's commitment to long-term resilience in the face of increasing climate shocks.

"This operation reflects our strong partnership with the Government of Zambia and our shared commitment to building resilience while supporting economic recovery," said Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia. "By advancing key reforms across fiscal management, climate resilience, and the private sector, the program helps lay the foundations for durable growth, job creation, and improved opportunities for Zambians."

This second DPF focuses on three core reform areas:(i) enhancing fiscal management and resilience, (ii) promoting private sector investment and resilience in enabling sectors, and (iii) strengthening disaster risk management and climate resilience. These objectives are pursued through reforms covering mineral revenue transparency, state-owned enterprise (SOE) governance, carbon markets, PPPs, renewable energy, disaster risk management, adaptive social protection, and water sector financial sustainability. Together, these efforts contribute to paving the way towards quality jobs and better livelihoods for all Zambians.

The DPF fully aligns with the World Bank Group's five-year (2024 - 2029) Country Partnership Framework (CPF), supporting Zambia to achieve sustainable private sector-led economic growth, enhance climate resilience, and improve the well-being of its people. It is also in alignment with Zambia's 8th National Development Plan and Vision 2030.

The World Bank remains a long-term partner to Zambia, supporting policies and investments that reduce poverty, create jobs, build resilience, and promote sustainable development.

Contacts

In Lusaka: Carlyn Hambuba, (260) 211-373218, [email protected]

In Washington: Daniella Van Leggelo Padilla, [email protected]