Zambia Transport Corridors for Economic Resilience

Adaptation Need

Zambia’s transport corridors are increasingly exposed to climate hazards such as extreme temperatures, prolonged droughts, intense rainfall, and flooding. Without targeted adaptation efforts, these hazards are expected to significantly disrupt road functionality, increase economic losses, and undermine access to essential services, particularly for vulnerable populations. GCA’s climate stress test found that by 2050, and under a high-emission scenario (RCP8.5), annual climate-related losses are expected to rise substantially: up to USD 10.1 million in annual losses for the Livingstone–Sesheke corridor, USD 9.0 million for Lusaka–Chongwe–Luangwa, and USD 0.4 million for Serenje–Mpika. While the Serenje–Mpika section currently exhibits limited flood exposure due to its higher elevation, all sections face mounting risks from heat-related degradation and weather extremes. These risks also have a social dimension, with women in rural areas facing reduced access to health services, schools, and markets during periods of road disruption

GCA’s Added Value

GCA’s technical support aims to reduce climate risk for transport assets by conducting a comprehensive climate risk assessment, focusing on the Dar es Salaam, Nacala, and Trans-Caprivi corridors. The assessment pinpointed vulnerabilities and critical links within the transport network. Technical results highlight the need of the identification and evaluation of adaptation and resilience options, including Nature-Based Solutions. Additionally, GCA will provide capacity building activities, enhancing local authorities’ abilities to integrate climate resilience into project planning and execution. Building on its technical support to the World Bank Group under the TRACER project, GCA also supported the Government of Zambia in updating the transport sector component of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).