The Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank (ZICB) is participating in the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026, as part of the Zambian delegation.
The Bank’s participation underscores its growing commitment to sustainable finance and its role as Zambia’s nominated National Implementing Entity (NIE) for accreditation to the Adaptation Fund (AF).
Leading the ZICB delegation is the Bank’s Chief Risk Officer, Mr. Thulani Muchiya, accompanied by the Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr. Luke Njovu, and the Coordinator – Sustainable Finance, Mrs. Nangizi Mukata Ngoma.
On Day Two of the conference, the ZICB delegation attended a high-level engagement hosted by Multilateral Climate Funds (MCFs), including the Adaptation Fund and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration among the funds to improve access to climate finance and maximise the impact of investments.
The engagement highlighted Finance, Technology and Capacity Building as foundational pillars supporting all ten thematic areas of COP31. A representative of the Adaptation Fund emphasised the importance of greater coordination among multilateral climate funds to ensure that every dollar invested delivers meaningful results. The representative further stressed that climate investments must be anchored in, and aligned with, the national priorities of accredited countries as articulated in their National Adaptation Plans.
For Zambia, this presents an important opportunity to mobilise sustainable climate financing towards priority sectors under the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda, particularly agriculture and green energy. As the nominated NIE for Adaptation Fund accreditation, ZICB is keen to contribute to expanding the country’s access to climate resources and supporting investments that strengthen climate resilience and sustainable economic development.
In this regard, the Bank looks forward to participating in a planned engagement between the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment and the Adaptation Fund on the sidelines of COP31. The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity to advance discussions on Zambia’s climate financing priorities and the Bank’s prospective role in facilitating access to adaptation funding.
The ZICB delegation concluded Day Two by attending a meeting of the Zambian delegation, led by the Minister of Green Economy and Environment and Zambia’s Delegation Leader, Hon. Dr. Gilbert Siame, MP.
During the meeting, the Minister underscored the importance of translating Zambia’s participation at COP31 into tangible outcomes, noting that President Hakainde Hichilema and the Zambian people expect meaningful results from the country’s engagement at the global climate conference.
Through its participation at COP31, ZICB is reinforcing its commitment to advancing sustainable finance, strengthening climate resilience and supporting investments that contribute to Zambia’s green growth and economic transformation.
ZICB – Making Tomorrow Possible.
