The largest annual climate adaptation event wrapped up this week in Lusaka, calling for urgent investment to protect lives, boost livelihoods, and drive economic growth across Africa.
The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Expo 2025, held from 11–15 August, brought together 400 participants from 80 countries, including government officials, scientists, Indigenous leaders, and private sector representatives. The event focused on strengthening countries’ NAPs ahead of COP30 in Brazil and closing gaps in adaptation financing.
“Adaptation isn’t a bill we can skip. If we don’t fund it, the poorest pay in lost harvests, poorer health, and – at worst – with their lives,” said Youssef Nassef, Director of Adaptation at UN Climate Change. He emphasized that investing USD 300 billion annually in resilience is far cheaper than rebuilding after climate disasters.
Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Elton Mposha, called for NAPs to become “investable and bankable plans” that attract private sector support. Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba highlighted the devastating impact of recent droughts, which halved crop yields and electricity generation.
The Expo launched updated technical adaptation guidelines and introduced AI and big data tools to help countries strengthen climate resilience. Many participants used AI for the first time to co-produce sample open NAPs, exploring practical approaches to adaptation planning and implementation.
Inclusivity was a central theme, with sessions promoting Indigenous knowledge, community perspectives, gender-responsive approaches, youth participation, and private sector engagement. Fumukazi Zilanie Kamgundanga Gondwe, a traditional leader from Malawi, noted that “much innovation is rooted in long-standing Indigenous practices such as seed sovereignty, sacred forest protection, and cultural rituals for ecological balance.”
Ana Toni, CEO of COP30, called on the global community to “transcend outdated mindsets whilst preserving shared values,” stressing that adaptation must be on equal footing with mitigation in global climate action.
Key Expo discussions explored financing strategies, the use of digital technologies, and practical solutions for water security, climate-smart agriculture, resilient livelihoods, and infrastructure. Participants left looking ahead to Climate Week in Addis Ababa (1–6 September), which will continue discussions on adaptation finance, mitigation, and a just transition.
Nassef thanked Zambia for its hospitality, saying the country’s spirit of solidarity and collective action helped underpin the event’s success.
