Zambia is one of the world’s 50 poorest countries according to the UN, and one of Norway's main partner countries for development assistance. Zambia has received support from Norway since 1965, one year after the country’s independence from British colonial rule.
Zambia is rich in natural resources, such as soil, minerals, forests and wildlife. The country is Africa's largest copper producer. Unfortunately, these natural resources have not benefitted most people. In some areas, the exploitation of resources has led to increased poverty and underdevelopment.
Although women make up more than 50% of the population, women in Zambia are almost invisible in decision-making at all levels of society.
Our work
Norwegian Church Aid, Dan Church Aid and Christian Aid work together in Zambia within the framework of a Joint Country Programme (JCPZ). With partners, we work for gender justice and economic justice in Zambia through the following programs:
Women in governance: JCPZ and our partners facilitate the empowerment of women and address the structural causes of gender-based discrimination.
Social mitigation of HIV & AIDS: JCPZ and our partners offer people living with HIV and AIDS legal, social and economic assistance.
Livelihood and trade: JCPZ and our partners strengthen marginalised groups, especially in rural areas in Zambia, in order to ensure them a sustainable livelihood.
Resources, finance and accountable governance: JCPZ supports partners in influencing Zambia’s extractive industries by demanding democratic practises, legal frameworks, transparency and accountability.
Climate change adaptation: JCPZ and our partners help poor and marginalised groups and communities in Zambia to develop methods for adapting to climate change.
Coordination through the ACT Alliance
Norwegian Church Aid, Dan Church Aid and Christian Aid are all members of the national ACT Forum in Zambia, which was established in 2010. The ACT Forum’s role so far has been to mobilise resources and to coordinate emergency operations.