Norway and Zambia will cooperate on cutting emissions
News story | Date: 28/01/2026 | Ministry of Climate and Environment
Norway and Zambia have signed an agreement that will both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy access in Zambia. The cooperation is organized under the Paris Agreement Article 6 and may contribute towards Norway’s climate targets.
'The agreement between Norway and Zambia is good news for climate policy in more challenging times. The cooperation will significantly cut emissions in Zambia, mobilize green investments from the private sector, and secure the country’s power supply. The generated carbon credits can be used to cover what may be needed to meet Norway’s 2030 target under the Paris Agreement. They can also be used towards meeting Norway’s climate neutrality target', said Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
The agreement means that over a ten‑year period, Norway can purchase up to 3.5 million tonnes of CO₂ emission reductions from Zambia as Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) under the Paris Agreement. The total emission reductions resulting from the cooperation may be more than twice as large.
Hydropower is the most important energy source in Zambia. However, Southern Africa has been hit by several severe drought periods in recent years, making this a vulnerable energy source. Fossil energy sources are often used as an alternative to stabilize the energy supply in the region.
Norway and Zambia are now establishing a subsidy program for Zambia’s energy sector that aims to increase production and private investments in renewable energy. The program can initially trigger up to 300 MW of new solar power capacity and battery storage in Zambia. This directly contributes to increased energy security in the region, a more stable power system, and reduced need for fossil solutions.
'This agreement supports Zambia’s efforts to attract investments in clean and reliable power. By linking finance to verified results, we can accelerate renewable energy delivery that strengthens our energy security and advances our climate goals,' said Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha.
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement allows countries to cooperate to reach their climate targets. The agreement enables Norway to purchase emission reductions from Zambia as ITMOs under the Paris Agreement Article 6. These emission reductions are subject to strict monitoring requirements and must be verified by an independent third party. Norway pays for the carbon credits only when the emission reductions have been achieved and delivered. The cooperation must also meet requirements of additionality, meaning that the emission reduction being credited would not have occurred without the purchase of the carbon credits.
For more information on Norway’s cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, see www.noger.no.