Zambia Convenes High-Level Dialogue to Accelerate Energy Sector Reforms
Zambia Holds National Dialogue on Energy Sector Reforms to Improve Electricity Supply, Governance and Investment
Zambia has convened a high-level national dialogue aimed at driving urgent reforms in the energy sector to improve electricity supply, strengthen governance and attract investment.
The dialogue was organised by the Centre for Trade Policy and Development in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, with support from Diakonia and the Energy for Growth Hub.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, civil society, academia and the media.
Speaking at the official opening, Permanent Secretary for Electricity, Arnold M. Simwaba, emphasised the central role of the energy sector in driving economic growth and industrialisation.
However, he noted that the sector continues to face persistent structural challenges, including supply constraints, financing gaps and weak institutional performance.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Transparency, Accountability and Investment for a Resilient and Sustainable Electricity Sub-Sector,” the dialogue focused on charting a path towards a more reliable and sustainable electricity system.
Participants included major industry players such as the ZESCO Limited, the Energy Regulation Board and the Copperbelt Energy Corporation.
Eng. Simwaba reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding electricity generation capacity and achieving universal access to electricity by 2030.
He said key priorities include identifying policy and institutional gaps, strengthening governance and operational efficiency, investing in critical generation and transmission infrastructure, and unlocking financing mechanisms to attract private sector investment.
Earlier, Executive Director of the Centre for Trade Policy and Development, Isaac Mwaipopo, urged the Government to accelerate the implementation of ongoing reforms to maximise the benefits of investments in the sector.
He also stressed the importance of establishing a balanced regulatory framework that protects investors while safeguarding the public interest and promoting greater participation by local players.
Zambia’s energy sector has come under increasing strain in recent years due to rising electricity demand, climate-related shocks affecting hydropower generation, and the need to diversify energy sources.
