Deepening partnerships with the Global South.
Projects in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda working to tackle the
impacts of climate change will share in £7.5 million funding.
Grants will support sustainable initiatives designed in
partnership with local communities who are the most vulnerable to
climate change, such as:
- training and advocacy on climate justice issues
- strengthening food security and improving access to safe
water
- house reconstruction after losses and damages
Funding has been announced ahead of an international investment
roundtable hosted by the First Minister, which will bring
together Ministers and leaders from Malawi and Zambia and a
range of business development representatives to discuss
opportunities for investment in the region.
First Minister said:
“On my visit to Zambia and Malawi last year, I was struck by the
deeply concerning impacts the climate crisis is already having on
lives and livelihoods. My government is committed to doing all we
can to tackle the climate emergency and support climate justice
in the Global South.
“Our final Climate Change Plan set out decisive action to cut
carbon emissions, and this funding will help to address the
impacts the climate crisis is already having on communities in
Zambia, Malawi and Rwanda. It will support a range of initiatives
working to reduce the impacts to the climate emergency, with a
focus on women, people with disabilities and young people who are
more likely to feel the effects most acutely.
“Today's roundtable will also put a spotlight on how Scotland can
support sustainable economic growth in developing countries
including Malawi and Zambia. Strengthening trade and investment
relations can also help equip countries - including Malawi and
Zambia - with the economic tools to build resilience to the
impacts of changing weather patterns.
“To stand any chance of tackling the climate emergency and
supporting people who are already suffering from its impacts, it
is clear we must all work together – across business and
government, in Scotland and internationally. The cuts made by the
UK Government to international development budgets are completely
incompatible with climate justice and directly increase the risk
of harm to people in the Global South.
“I am deeply proud of Scotland's commitment to supporting
countries that are most vulnerable to climate change and we will
continue to do all we can to make a positive impact on the world
stage.”
Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said:
“At a time when some governments are cutting support and turning
inward, Scotland is choosing to step forward. In Malawi, climate
change is driving rising temperatures, and increasing floods and
droughts, leading to crop failure, declining incomes and water
scarcity. This funding will help communities prepare for
disasters, protect their livelihoods and recover when the worst
happens. We're grateful to the Scottish Government for continuing
to back climate justice and global solidarity when it matters
most.”
Lorraine Currie, CEO at SCIAF said:
“SCIAF and the communities of Rwanda are deeply grateful for this
one-year grant. This funding will allow us to carry out vital
work to reach those in Rwanda who are disproportionately affected
by climate change, but who are often excluded from the solutions.
Moreover, this funding will show what is possible when trust,
partnership and community ownership are placed at the centre of
programmes. It truly will change lives.”
Kirsty Wilson, Project Director at NIRAS said:
“NIRAS is honoured to be partnering with Zambian communities and
the Scottish Government to advance climate justice. This work
reflects our shared conviction that climate vulnerable
communities, including people with disabilities, women, and young
people, are not passive beneficiaries but leaders driving forward
climate action.
“Together with our local partners, we remain committed to
amplifying community voices, strengthening international
cooperation, and delivering inclusive, community‑led solutions
that drive lasting change.”
Background
Indicative grant awards are as follows, subject to final
agreements of the Grant Offer letters:
- £2.5m to SCIAF for Climate Justice Fund community projects in
Rwanda
- £2.5m to NIRAS for Climate Justice Fund community projects in
Zambia
- £2.5m to Oxfam for Climate Justice Fund community projects in
Malawi
This was announced in the Climate Change Plan launched in
Parliament on 24 March 2026 by Cabinet Secretary for Climate
Action and Energy.
Climate Change Plan published -
gov.scot
