On September 9, the Embassy of Sweden in Lusaka hosted a roundtable discussion on climate action, with a particular focus on encouraging Zambia to maintain strong climate ambitions ahead of COP30 in Belém, including in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Participants included representatives from Zambian authorities, Swedish companies, civil society, academia, and multilateral organizations. The discussion was opened by Sweden’s Climate Ambassador, Mattias Frumerie.
The purpose of the initiative was to promote Zambia’s climate ambitions ahead of COP30, particularly in relation to the updated NDC to be launched in September. At the same time, Sweden’s commitment and solutions for green transition in Zambia were highlighted.
The discussion, moderated by Mats Kullberg from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, showcased Sweden’s contributions through financing, development cooperation, and private sector engagement. The importance of policy, financing, and technology in climate action—with a special emphasis on Swedish innovation—was underscored by Climate Ambassador Mattias Frumerie, who joined virtually and opened the conversation.
Participants included representatives from Zambia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Environment, UNDP, WFP, the EU Delegation, and Brazil’s Ambassador, given the country’s hosting of COP30. In addition, representatives from academia, local civil society, and Swedish companies were present. The lunch also served as an opportunity to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Sweden and Zambia.
Strategic Dialogue for Shared Climate Ambition
A clear thematic focus guided the roundtable discussion, highlighting climate adaptation, energy access, and the need for technological partnerships as key priorities Zambia has significant potential to assume regional leadership, but challenges remain. To foster engagement and drive sustainable development, participants emphasized the importance of making climate issues tangible and personal.
Zambian authorities, academia, and civil society highlighted the need for technical expertise, implementation, and financing, and called for bilateral support through investments and knowledge transfer—areas where Swedish technology and innovation can make a difference. The Embassy and Swedish companies showcased how Sweden already provides relevant tools and solutions, such as Swedfund’s project accelerator, the Swedish Energy Agency’s Article 6 collaboration, and bilateral and regional development cooperation.
Swedish solutions deliver concrete impact and drive the green transition.
Sweden has much to offer in climate technology and innovation. Ambassador Johan Hallenborg highlighted aid programs such as EELA, recently launched in Zambia with support from Sida, and the Beyond the Grid Fund, which has reached over two million Zambians with sustainable energy. These efforts demonstrate how Swedish expertise contributes to Zambia’s green transition—from energy efficiency to modern cooking and off-grid solutions.
Swedish Expertise in Synergy with Diplomacy and Development
Swedish expertise met local needs as companies like Hitachi Energy and Sandvik demonstrated how Swedish solutions can contribute to Zambia’s climate goals—from electrification in the mining industry to circular recycling. The discussion highlighted that collaboration between diplomacy, development cooperation, and the private sector is crucial to turning climate ambitions into concrete action that promotes sustainable development.
The roundtable created space for dialogue and cooperation, strengthening Sweden’s role as a technical and political partner in the region. Through various platforms, Sweden showcased its ability to deliver on high climate ambitions.
