The LEAF – Improved Livelihoods through Enhanced Access to Forest Products, Services, Finances and Value Chains initiative, funded by the European Union under the Green Nexus Programme (GNP), promotes sustainable livelihoods in Zambia through the responsible use and valorisation of forest resources.
With a total budget of EUR 13.45 million and a duration of 60 months (1 July 2026 – 30 June 2031), the programme is implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the Czech Development Agency (CzDA).
The initiative aims to strengthen productivity, market access and sustainable investments in the programme’s priority areas by integrating forest governance, biodiversity conservation, climate-resilient entrepreneurship and access to sustainable finance.
Activities focus on strengthening the capacities of forest enterprises and Community Forest Management Groups (CFMGs) through value chain analyses, market studies, technical assistance and pilot interventions in the charcoal and timber value chains. At the same time, the programme promotes a more inclusive financial ecosystem through the Matching Grants Facility, partnerships with financial institutions and support to enterprises in accessing finance.
Overall, LEAF will contribute to building a more resilient and inclusive forest economy, fostering biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and the sustainable economic development of local communities in Zambia.