Watson Mwabila, Zambia
Goal: Open new pathways to an equitable clean energy transition
As a program specialist at the United Nations Development Program in Zambia, Watson Mwabila ‘26 MEM supported the Bank of Zambia's policy development on the issuance of green bonds. The bonds are a vital part of the country’s climate mitigation, adaptation, and financing goals. They are also personal to Mwabila, who grew up in a rainfall-dependent, rural area of the country and saw first-hand how climate change-fueled droughts negatively impacted livelihoods and communities.
“To effectively lead and scale the climate change mitigation work across the region, there is a need to acquire additional skill sets that would enable me to expand my contributions to the continent’s development agenda,” said Mwabila, who added that he has noticed how gaps in research affect policymaking at all levels.
At YSE, he aims to gain knowledge he can use to advance an equitable clean energy transition in the region — one that actively reduces poverty. Upon graduation, he hopes to continue working in the renewable energy sector as a policy advisor to governments or NGOs.
Meet More 2024-2025 Three Cairns Scholars
Bishwabandhu Acharya
Mars Arriesgado
Sherab Dorji
