CHIPATA, ZAMBIA – Zambia is putting its Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the forefront of its green energy transition. The country has launched a new capacity-building program in Chipata aimed at equipping small businesses and institutions with the skills and tools they need to champion renewable energy and contribute to the nation’s clean growth agenda.
The initiative, part of the United Nations Joint Sustainable Development Goals (JSDG) Fund Project, is a collaboration between the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the International Labour Organization (ILO), along with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The program focuses on enhancing MSME productivity, encouraging innovation in the green economy, and strengthening inter-ministerial collaboration.
From Training to Transformation
The training in Chipata represents a strategic shift in Zambia’s approach, placing MSMEs at the center of the country’s clean energy future. Participants from various government departments and training institutions learned practical tools to not only improve business competitiveness but also track environmental and social outcomes, such as linking carbon credits to community benefits like improved nutrition.
This localized effort directly supports Zambia’s national and global commitments, including its National Green Growth Strategy 2024–2030 and its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. By empowering MSMEs, Zambia is aligning local enterprise development with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), paving the way for a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economy. As one participant noted, the training helped them understand how renewable energy can be a “catalyst for inclusive growth.”