An Assessment of Zambia’s Legal Framework Governing Carbon Trading: Challenges and Prospects for Climate Change Mitigation

Abstract

This study assessed the legal framework for carbon trading in Zambia critically analyzing recent reforms such as the Green Economy and Climate Change Act No. 18 of 2024. The objectives of the study was to evaluate both international and domestic legal frameworks governing carbon trading, identify key barriers, and explore opportunities for strengthening Zambia’s climate mitigation efforts through market mechanisms. The research employed a doctrinal legal analysis methodology, analysing statutes, policies, and scholarly literature. The findings of the study revealed that although recent reforms, such as the Green Economy and Climate Change Act of 2024, provide a foundation for carbon market development, significant legal and institutional gaps persist, particularly regarding land rights, transparency, stakeholder participation, and enforcement capacity. Therefore, the study recommends legal reforms to clarify rights, enhance capacity building initiatives, and establish transparent benefit sharing mechanisms. It also suggests that developing a thorough monitoring, reporting, and verification systems are essential for market credibility. It is recommended that future research should focus on empirical stakeholder engagement and practical implementation challenges on the ground to inform more tailored and effective policy reforms for fully realizing Zambia’s potential in carbon trading as a climate change mitigation tool.