The AIM Zambia initiative was launched on 9 October in Lusaka, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The programme aims to strengthen resilience and improve the living conditions of rural communities across Zambia. It forms part of a broader €3.5 million regional programme designed to enhance climate resilience and mitigate the impacts of El Niño in Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi.
The launch event was attended by H.E. Enrico De Agostini, Ambassador of Italy to Zambia; Mr. Makoye Chisuta, Representative of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU); Ms. Luciana Andreini, Manager of the AICS Office in Lusaka; as well as representatives from implementing partners, donors, and the Government of Zambia.
Specifically, the project seeks to enhance the resilience and living conditions of rural communities in the Western, Southern, Central, and Lusaka Provinces, reaching approximately 61,850 people, including children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and persons with disabilities. It will be implemented by CELIM, in partnership with Africa Call Organisation, CBM, People in Need, ADRA, and Keepers Zambia Foundation.
Luciana Andreini, Manager of the AICS Lusaka Office, together with H.E. Enrico De Agostini, the Italian Ambassador to Zambia.
During her remarks, Luciana Andreini underlined that “Zambia has experienced the devastating effects of El Niño, one of the most severe droughts in recent history. Entire harvests have been lost, livestock has perished, and millions of households are facing food insecurity.” Indeed, President Hakainde Hichilema declared the El Niño crisis a national disaster, underscoring the magnitude of its impact.
The programme will not only respond to the immediate effects of the crisis but also aims to build the resilience of vulnerable communities so they can better withstand future climate shocks, as highlighted by the AICS Manager in Lusaka.
The Ambassador of Italy to Zambia further added, “Climate change is real and the occurrence of weather-related catastrophic events cannot be ruled out in Zambia. But humans adapt. This project aims at providing the populations concerned with the correct instruments to face them: climate-smart agriculture is a necessity in modern Zambia and Italy is here to help.”
Zambia has been recognized as a priority country for the Italian Cooperation since 2024. Last month, the new Italian Cooperation / AICS Office in Lusaka was inaugurated, reaffirming Italy’s long-term commitment to the country. The AIM Zambia Project represents a strong signal of Italy’s renewed engagement and commitment to supporting Zambia’s sustainable and inclusive development.
 Group photo |
 Luciana Andreini Manager AICS Lusaka Office with Mattia Binacchi, Africa Call Organization |