LocationsFor Immediate Release
Zambia Launches First-Ever Green Finance Taxonomy, Marking a Historic Milestone for Sustainable Investment in Africa
December 2, 2025
Lusaka, Zambia, 2nd December 2025 – The Government of the Republic of Zambia today unveiled the Zambia Green Finance Taxonomy (ZGFT), a landmark national framework that places the country among Africa’s frontrunners in sustainable finance. Developed through the Green Finance Mainstreaming Working Group with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), the ZGFT establishes Zambia’s first unified, science-based system for identifying environmentally sustainable economic activities. With this launch, Zambia becomes one of the few African nations to develop a green finance taxonomy, joining a short list of regional pioneers advancing climate-resilient, nature-positive and low-carbon development.
Speaking at the launch, the Hon. Mike Mposha MP, Minister of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment represented by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Douty Chibamba, described the ZGFT as “…a profound statement of our nation’s intent and ambition. It positions Zambia as a regional leader in sustainable finance and strengthens our ability to build a resilient, inclusive and nature-positive economy that aligns with our national priorities and global sustainability standards”.
The ZGFT provides clear, technical screening criteria that define what qualifies as green across eight high-impact sectors including energy, agriculture, forestry, mining, water, transport, tourism, and waste management. It also sets out six environmental objectives, from climate change mitigation to biodiversity protection, ensuring investments are aligned with national and global sustainability priorities.
By establishing a credible rulebook for green investments, the ZGFT enhances transparency across the financial system and limits risks of greenwashing. It equips regulators, banks, pension funds, insurers, corporates, and investors with a common reference point to identify, assess, and report green economic activities.
“Finance has the power to transform economic pathways, and today’s launch comes at a moment of great urgency. This taxonomy equips Zambia to channel investment into sectors that deliver resilience, long-term growth and environmental protection.” said Dr James Wakiaga, PhD, the UNDP Resident Representative represented by UNDP Zambia Deputy Resident Representative Mr. Laurent Rudasingwa.
The taxonomy is interoperable with the EU, South African, and Kenyan taxonomies, positioning Zambia competitively within regional and global markets seeking credible sustainability standards.
By providing clarity and confidence, it is expected to help mobilise domestic and international green capital, support the issuance of green bonds, sustainability-linked loans and other similar instruments, guide financial institutions in integrating environmental risks, and help accelerate private sector participation in the green economy.
BIOFIN Zambia’s financial and technical assistance has been pivotal in guiding and delivering this national framework, ensuring a coherent, inclusive, and expertly coordinated development process.
The Government, in collaboration with financial regulators and partners, will now begin national roll-out of the taxonomy. This includes training sessions, technical clinics, and sector-specific guidance to support adoption across Zambia’s financial system.
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For more information and media interviews, contact:
Ephraim Shitima, Director Green Economy and Climate Change, Ministry of Green Economy and Climate Change, ephraim.shitima@mgee.gov.zm
Harriet Chimuka, Principal Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Harriet.Chimuka@mgee.gov.zm
Benson Mwileli, National Coordinator (BIOFIN Zambia), benson.mwileli@undp.org
Mercy Khozi, Communications Analyst, mercy.khozi@undp.org
ABOUT MINISTRY OF GREEN ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT
The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment is mandated to promote the effective and sustainable use of the environment, while at the same time, facilitating support for adaptation to, and mitigation of the effects of climate change.
ABOUT UNDP
UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in some 177 countries and territories, we offer a global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.
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