ZEMA Approves 103 Development Projects in Drive for Green Growth

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has approved 103 development projects spanning the mining, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and tourism sectors, in a move the regulator says advances circular economy principles and green growth.

The approvals were granted during the May 2026 sitting of the Environmental Assessments Committee of the 6th ZEMA Board. Of the 106 projects considered, 103 received approval and three were deferred.

Among the projects given the green light are 300 megawatts of solar energy projects, a Plastic Manufacturing and Recycling Plant in Lusaka, and a Tile Adhesive Manufacturing Plant, also in Lusaka, supporting sustainable construction practices. A Used Oil and End-of-Life Tyres Recycling Plant in Kyangozhi, Kalumbila District, North-Western Province, was also approved, designed to convert hazardous waste into refined industrial fuel oil for heavy equipment.

In a statement on Thursday, ZEMA Manager for Corporate Affairs Ruth Kamwi said the regulator had also approved the rehabilitation and upgrading to bituminous standard of 65km of the Chipata-Chadiza Road (D128), including 15km of Chipata township roads and 5km in Chadiza, Eastern Province, by the Road Development Agency.

By sector, the Committee approved 46 projects in mining and mineral processing, 21 in energy, 20 in manufacturing and processing, 10 in infrastructure development, five in agriculture and forestry, and one in tourism.

The approvals align with this year's World Environment Day theme, "Accelerating Zambia's Climate Action for Green Growth and Sustainability."