The Big Picture: This pillar received 19% of the total budget, amounting to $20.36 million. Spending heavily increased toward the end of the year, with nearly half of its funds used in the final quarter.

What it Achieved: The focus here is on building a fair economy where everyone can succeed. Programs helped local entrepreneurs, created decent jobs, improved farming productivity, and supported marginalized groups—such as women, young people, and displaced persons—so they can earn a reliable income and actively participate in the country's economic growth.

Who was Involved: Key partners include the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), working in tandem with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture, and local business associations.
 

The Big Picture: This was by far the largest area of focus in 2025, receiving 58% of the total budget (over $62.5 million). Funding peaked in the first half of the year to address immediate human needs.

What it Achieved: This pillar focuses on improving the daily well-being of the Zambian people. Key efforts went toward boosting health services, supporting education and skills training, providing social safety nets, and ensuring access to clean water and nutrition. It aimed to make families more resilient against unexpected crises, like severe weather or economic changes.

Who was Involved: This area is heavily driven by human-focused agencies, including the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), alongside Zambia's Ministries of Health, Education, and Community Development.

The Big Picture: This area accounted for 5% of the total budget, using $5.51 million, with steady spending that gradually scaled down toward the end of the year.

What it Achieved: This pillar supports the social and legal foundations of the country. Work focused on safeguarding human rights, improving access to the legal system, ensuring fair governance, protecting personal safety, and promoting gender equality so that institutions remain transparent and trusted by the public.

Who was Involved: Spearheaded by UNDP, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), alongside Zambia’s Ministry of Justice, Home Affairs, and local civil society groups.

The Big Picture: Securing 18% of the budget, this area utilized $19.19 million. Funding was highest during the second quarter, aligning with efforts to recover from extreme weather conditions and manage natural resources sustainably.

What it Achieved: This pillar focuses on protecting Zambia’s environment. Projects targeted the cleaner management of forests and wildlife, cutting down pollution, expanding affordable and clean energy, and preparing communities to better survive climate shocks like droughts and floods.

Who was involved: Led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), UNDP, and FAO, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, local conservation groups, and community-led environmental organizations.