The Government of Zambia, in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Kingdom’s Met Office, has launched a new US$3.6 million initiative aimed at strengthening climate monitoring systems and improving early warning capabilities across the country.
The programme is part of the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) and focuses on enhancing Zambia’s meteorological infrastructure to generate reliable climate data for disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
The initiative was officially launched in Lusaka with participation from Zambia’s Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the Zambia Meteorological Department, and WFP representatives. Officials described the project as a major step toward improving the country’s ability to anticipate and respond to extreme weather events such as droughts and floods.
Zambia has faced increasing climate-related challenges in recent years, including the severe El Niño-induced drought of 2023 and 2024. The drought significantly reduced agricultural production, weakened household incomes, increased food prices, and left nearly five million people facing severe food insecurity.
According to government officials, accurate and real-time climate data is essential for strengthening disaster preparedness, supporting food security, and advancing Zambia’s transition toward a green economy.
Under the project, 21 existing surface weather observation stations will be upgraded and automated, while four upper-air monitoring stations will also be installed. The improvements are expected to help Zambia meet Global Basic Observing Network standards, the international benchmark for collecting and sharing critical weather and climate information.
The Zambia Meteorological Department said the initiative will help close major climate data gaps that currently limit forecasting accuracy and weaken early warning systems. Improved monitoring capabilities are expected to support anticipatory action, disaster risk reduction, and climate adaptation planning across vulnerable communities.
WFP officials highlighted that stronger climate observation systems are critical for protecting livelihoods, improving emergency response, and reducing the long-term impacts of extreme weather shocks on agriculture and food systems.
The project also reinforces international efforts to improve climate resilience in developing countries by strengthening access to reliable weather and climate information. Zambia’s latest investment is expected to play an important role in supporting sustainable development, food security, and national climate adaptation goals.
