Zambia is due to host a meeting of African countries to prepare for COP27 taking place in Egypt in November, according to a government official.

Zambia will host the African Group of Negotiators on climate change summit between 14th and 17th March having been elected as chair of the group. Zambia holds the chairmanship for two years, after assuming the role last November at COP26 in Scotland.

According to Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Collins Nzovu, the meeting is the first step towards COP27 preparations, saying the principal focus of the meeting is to begin pinpointing Africa’s priorities for the upcoming event in Egypt.

Nzovu added that the meeting will unite experts from each of the 54 African countries, as well as partner organisations, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), amongst others.

The Minister said Zambia is responsible for coordinating the African group to make sure it was sufficiently prepared for all climate change arrangements.

“It is important that Zambia excellently carries out the chairmanship mandate for the benefit of the continent and contribute to the positive outcome at the COP27,” the Minister of Green Economy and Environment stated.

He went on to add that Zambia has brought together a team of local experts to coordinate climate change efforts.

Last month, Nzovu held talks with the Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia, Moataz Anwar, during which the need for close collaboration between Zambia and Egypt was highlighted, as the two countries have key responsibilities ahead of COP27.

Nzovu commented: “We want to learn from Egypt on the path to take as it endeavours to reduce its own carbon footprint through the reduction of emissions from greenhouses, automobiles and the industry among others.”

The Minister added: “The New Dawn government is keen to learn from Egypt’s development experience and is ready to create a job favourable environment for a mutually beneficial cooperation.”