Govt. targets 2 million hectares of land for LIFE Project
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BusinessGovernment is targeting 2 million hectares of land for the Lobito Corridor Integrated Forest Economy (LIFE) Project. Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Gilbert Siame, says government is in a hurry to kick start the project in the first quarter of 2027. Dr Siame…
Government is targeting 2 million hectares of land for the Lobito Corridor Integrated Forest Economy (LIFE) Project.
Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Gilbert Siame, says government is in a hurry to kick start the project in the first quarter of 2027.
Dr Siame disclosed this when a team from the World Bank Group paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Lusaka today, as part of the Bank’s appraisal mission covering Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces.
The Minister called for the accelerated preparation of the project since discussions, design and investment plans have already been agreed.
He said the LIFE Project provides an opportunity to translate President Hakainde Hichilema’s Grow Zambia Agenda into practical investments in the forest economy by expanding productive forestry, restoring degraded landscapes,
attracting private investment and strengthening local processing and value addition.
Dr Siame also encouraged the private companies, financial institutions, cooperatives, women and young entrepreneurs to identify investment opportunities and build partnerships, including out grower schemes to realise the project.
He is optimistic that the World Bank Group will soon approve the LIFE project to help spur economic growth in the country.
And World Bank Group Country Manager for Zambia, Martine Valcin, said the Bank is ready to help Zambia achieve her goal in line with the Grow Zambia Agenda.
Ms Valcin said the LIFE Project would reward communities by protecting and restoring natural forests and attracting results-based climate finance.
The meeting was attended by Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO), senior government and bank officials on talks surrounding the forest ecosystem and economy.
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