Mposha tips new Green Economy Minister, hands over office

The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment witnessed a formal transition of power as newly appointed Minister Dr. Gilbert Siame took over the reins from his predecessor, Mike Mposha. Addressing management and staff during a familiarisation meeting in Lusaka, Dr. Siame outlined his immediate priorities, stressing that the ministry will actively build upon the robust foundations and environmental frameworks laid down by the previous leadership. Dr. Siame noted that the core mandate of the ministry extends far beyond conventional environmental preservation, highlighting the critical nexus between ecological sustainability and broad-based economic development. Drawing from his extensive academic background in urban and regional planning, the new minister underscored the necessity for actionable, innovation-driven policies that align with the national Grow Zambia Agenda. He urged technocrats and civil servants to shift focus toward practical project execution, ensuring that strategic goals in forestry management, climate resilience, and green finance translate into measurable improvements for local communities. Outgoing minister Mike Mposha expressed confidence in Dr. Siame's capability to steer the docket to greater heights, reflecting on the milestones achieved since the establishment of the standalone ministry. Mposha highlighted key ongoing frameworks, including the National Green Growth Strategy, which aims to attract domestic and foreign green investments into climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and eco-tourism infrastructure. The transition comes at a crucial juncture as Zambia steps up efforts to combat climate shocks, notably severe droughts that have heavily impacted energy generation and agricultural output across the country. Industry stakeholders and environmental experts have largely welcomed the appointment, viewing the shift from academic research to public administration as an opportunity to inject fresh intellectual rigor into national po