Zambia’s energy ministry last Wednesday signed an agreement with the World Wide Fund for Nature, under the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), aimed at collaboration for the development of clean energy. This new agreement will provide a platform for uniting efforts, expertise and resources aimed at harnessing opportunities that promote clean energy development and increase access to sustainable energy.
Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary Trevor Kaunda said the agreement will also assist in hosting a renewable energy forum in 2021 aimed at attracting investment, support capacity building and community sensitization programs.
The government recognizes the potential damage to the environment that exploitation of energy causes, he said. WWF Zambia Country Director Nachilala Nkombo said the signing of the agreement was about helping the country deal with its energy crisis. According to Nkombo, there was a need for radical and innovative measures for adoption of diversified and scaled-up renewable energy options.
"There is an urgent need for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to support the diversification and development of non-hydro renewable resources of energy that are climate-resilient," she added.