Zambia is one of the fastest growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The country is endowed with rich natural resources: minerals, forests, agricultural land and water resources. Sustaining long-term economic development requires the use of existing natural resources in an effective and efficient way that delivers benefits to communities, economies and the environment. In particular, the use of water resources for productive purposes provides critical revenues for economic growth and poverty reduction.
Many of Zambia’s core economic activities are dependent on the water resources from the Zambezi River Basin, providing vital support for the country’s mining, fisheries, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing sectors. Water resources play a major role in the country’s economic performance, especially due to its contribution to energy generation from hydropower, production of mineral resources and tourism.
Given the centrality of water resources and natural capital more broadly to Zambia’s economy, environment, livelihoods and communities, sound management of these resources is vital to promote sustainable long-term economic growth.