ZEMA Committee Approves 150 Projects Worth US$2.9 Billion

Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has approved 150 projects worth US$2.9 billion, out of the 153 that were considered by the Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC), at its October, 2024 sitting.

Agency Board Chairperson, Professor Lovejoy Malambo revealed that this represents a 29 percent increase from 116 projects approved during the September, 2024 sitting of the Committee.

Professor Malambo disclosed that the Committee approved 100 projects under mining and mineral processing sector, at an investment cost of US$2.1 billion, representing the highest number of approved projects, followed by energy sector with 19 at a cost of US$765 million.

“Additional approvals included 15 projects under the Manufacturing and Processing sector, 9 projects under the Infrastructure Development sector, 4 projects under Tourism and 3 projects in the Agriculture and Forestry sector,” Professor Malambo stated.

He added that the proposed establishment of a Sorting, Processing and Marketing Facility for Solid Waste Recyclables in Livingstone, is among the Manufacturing and Processing projects that were approved.

“The establishment of the facility will have a positive impact on waste management in the country as it will not only reduce contamination but also minimize the release of Green House Gasses produced by decomposing waste,” he stated.

Professor Malambo pledged the Agency’s commitment towards prioritizing sustainable development through rigorous environmental assessments and ensuring that the country’s growth aligns with environmental protection and promotes green investments while creating economic opportunities.