Cowater-led project improves infrastructure investment and inclusive job creation in Zambian cities
As part of its recent UK acquisition, Cowater is implementing the Cities and Infrastructure for Growth Zambia (CIGZambia) programme, a technical assistance facility funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) up to GBP 20 million (CAD 34.5 million).
Led by Cowater UK, CIGZambia addresses critical infrastructure and economic growth challenges by supporting the public and private sectors to harness the potential of Zambia’s cities as engines for inclusive economic growth and job creation. Cities play a central role in economic transformation that generates employment. However access to affordable power, water supply and limited market connectivity increase the cost of doing business and constrain investment in Zambia. Additionally, rapid urbanization without proper planning, governance and environmental management limits the prospects for sustainable development and poverty reduction.
CIGZambia is addressing these critical gaps through the provision of technical assistance in infrastructure services (water supply, transport and solid waste management), energy, urban planning and project financing. The Cowater team works with government and private sector clients to support better identification, planning and management of priority urban infrastructure projects in key Zambian cities. This supports increased investment and innovative financing for energy and economic infrastructure that will lead to inclusive job creation and climate resilience. CIGZambia began in June 2018 and will run until 2023.
