The Green Economy Promotion and Diversification (GEPD) Programme is a flagship initiative funded by the European Union, designed to support Zambia’s transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy. The programme focuses on improving the regulatory environment, supporting micro, small, and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs), and promoting innovation in green and digital sectors. GEPD aims to create a favourable business climate, foster sustainable practices, and enhance institutional capacities for research and innovation. The programme will generate decent jobs, reduce poverty, and drive Zambia towards a resilient and sustainable future by targeting youth and women entrepreneurs.

Objectives

• Improve the business regulatory environment and investment climate for green economic transition.
• Support the growth and formalisation of MSMEs in green and digital sectors, particularly those led by youth and women.
• Promote sustainable and circular economy practices.
• Enhance institutional capacities for research and innovation in green growth.
• Raise awareness and knowledge about green and circular economy principles among various stakeholders.

Expected results 
• Adopting and implementing a Green Growth Strategy, Circular Economy Action Plan, and new MSME policy.
• Legal and regulatory reforms supporting green growth and circular economy.
• Identification and promotion of new value chains in green and circular economy sectors.
• Improved institutional capacity for research and private sector cooperation on innovation.
• Increased awareness and adoption of green and circular economy practices.
• Formalisation and management capacity building of MSMEs.
• Enhanced competitiveness and market integration of MSMEs.
• Development of financial products for MSMEs, particularly those led by youth and women.
• Availability of technical advisory support for green and circular economy innovations

Key approaches 
• Public-Private Dialogue (PPD): Facilitating cooperation between government, private sector, and civil society to implement green growth strategies.
• Capacity Building: Providing technical assistance and training to MSMEs and research institutions to foster innovation and green business practices.
• Market Development: Supporting the creation of new value chains and promoting access to regional and international markets.
• Financial Innovation: Developing and piloting new financial products tailored to the needs of MSMEs.