Zambia Boosts Drive for Energy Security as Govt Fast-Tracks 2,610MW Power Pipeline
Strengthening Zambia’s Energy Future: Government, Developers Push to Accelerate Power Projects
The Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to securing Zambia’s long-term energy stability following a high-level consultative meeting led by Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote with 20 Power Developer companies.
The engagement focused on evaluating progress in the country’s current power pipeline and identifying actionable steps to speed up project delivery.
Also present were the Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit, Ms. Kuso Kamwambi, and the Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary for Budget, Ms. Mwaka Mukubesa.
Discussions highlighted the need for enhanced coordination, improved communication, and aligned planning across institutions to ensure timely implementation of energy projects nationwide.
Power Developers expressed their readiness to deliver ongoing solar, hydro, and coal projects within the agreed schedules.
Minister Chikote revealed that Zambia is currently facing a power deficit exceeding 1,600MW, driven largely by climate-induced strains on existing generation assets. He stated that the new pipeline—expected to add 2,610MW between 2025 and 2026—offers a credible and timely solution to the country’s energy shortages.
He further noted that these additions will surpass Zambia’s current electricity demand and place the nation on a firm trajectory toward surplus generation and long-term energy security.
While the country’s installed capacity stands at approximately 3,800MW, demand has already exceeded 2,400MW and is steadily approaching 3,000MW, underscoring the need for continued expansion.
Minister Chikote urged consistent collaboration between Government and private developers, emphasizing that engagement must continue throughout implementation—not end after securing Power Purchase Agreements.
He instructed technocrats to strengthen inter-agency alignment and ensure transparent, timely reporting on project milestones, noting that effective communication is essential for accelerated progress.
He also called for the establishment of a clear roadmap outlining responsibilities, timelines, and coordination mechanisms for both public and private stakeholders. Such a framework, he said, will streamline project execution and enhance efficiency.
Zambia’s growing generation capacity, underpinned by strong public-private partnerships, is expected to position the country as a regional electricity hub.
This growth will also support national economic priorities, including achieving the national target of 3 million tonnes in annual copper production.
During the meeting, Power Developers highlighted several persistent challenges affecting project rollout. These include inadequate incentives for hydropower investments, lengthy multi-agency land acquisition processes, and delays in statutory approvals and legal reviews.
In response, Minister Chikote assured developers that the Government will act swiftly to remove bottlenecks. He noted that authorities are considering the creation of a one-stop-shop or a dedicated task force to streamline approvals, accelerate land processes, and fast-track project delivery.
These interventions will anchor broader reforms aimed at building a predictable, transparent, and investor-friendly energy sector capable of meeting Zambia’s growing electricity needs.
