Traditional Leaders Back Kalungwishi Hydropower Project as Development Gains Momentum in Northern Zambia
247MW Kalungwishi Hydropower Project Gains Strong Traditional Leadership Support, Set to Transform Luapula and Northern Provinces
A major milestone in Zambia’s energy and industrial development agenda is taking shape as the 247-megawatt Kalungwishi Hydropower Project gains renewed momentum, with strong backing from government, the private sector, and traditional leaders whose communities are expected to benefit from the transformative investment.
Located along the Kalungwishi River, the project is expected to become a catalyst for economic growth in Luapula and Northern Provinces by providing reliable electricity to support mining, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and value-addition industries.
For decades, the two provinces have faced development constraints due to inadequate and unreliable power supply, despite possessing significant mineral resources, agricultural potential, and tourism attractions.
As preparations for project implementation advance, stakeholders have intensified engagement with traditional leaders whose chiefdoms will host or be directly impacted by the development.
The consultations were jointly conducted by Lunzua Power Company Limited, the new project developer and an affiliate of Kanona Power Company under the Exergy Energy Group, together with the Ministry of Energy, ZESCO Limited, and Luapula Hydro Power Company, the outgoing developer.
Recognising the critical role of traditional leadership in fostering sustainable development and community participation, the delegation prioritised consultations with local chiefs to formally introduce Lunzua Power Company as the sole project developer and provide updates on the project’s scope, implementation timelines, and anticipated socio-economic benefits.
The delegation met with Paramount Chief Mwata Kazembe, Senior Chief Mununga, Chief Mukupa Katandula, Chief Kapema, Chief Katuta, Senior Chief Mushota, and Senior Chief Mporokoso.
During the engagements, the traditional leaders unanimously welcomed the project and pledged their full support, describing it as a timely investment that has the potential to improve living standards, create employment opportunities for local communities, and stimulate long-term socio-economic development across their chiefdoms.
Speaking during the consultations, Luapula Province Acting Permanent Secretary Evans Sikabbubba highlighted the strategic importance of the project, describing it as a key pillar of the government’s efforts to drive inclusive and decentralised economic development through infrastructure investment.
“Reliable and adequate electricity supply is a critical enabler of economic transformation. For a long time, limited power availability has constrained value addition, agricultural productivity, mining activities, and industrial expansion in Luapula Province,” said Mr Sikabbubba.
He noted that the development of hydropower facilities along the Kalungwishi River would significantly reshape the economic landscape of both Luapula and Northern Provinces.
He further encouraged project developers to maintain continuous engagement with traditional leaders and local communities to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and shared benefits throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Ministry of Energy Senior Planner Victor Chingangu, who led the delegation, said government had taken deliberate measures to address challenges that had previously delayed the project’s implementation.
He explained that opening the project to private sector participation was a strategic decision aimed at accelerating development while ensuring long-term sustainability.
“Government remains committed to providing the necessary policy guidance, regulatory oversight, and inter-agency coordination to ensure the successful and timely implementation of the Kalungwishi Hydropower Project,” Mr Chingangu said.
Representing the developer, Lunzua Power Company Head of Hydropower and Thermal, Yanda Hamilemba, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working closely with government, traditional leaders, and host communities throughout the development process.
He emphasised that beyond contributing electricity to the national grid, the project would prioritise local employment, skills development, and community-driven economic growth.
“Our objective is to deliver a project that meets international technical, environmental, and social standards while ensuring that communities surrounding the project directly benefit from its development,” Mr Hamilemba said.
ZESCO Senior Manager Kelvin Kamwale revealed that substantial preparatory work had already been completed, including feasibility studies, hydrological assessments, and technical evaluations, providing a strong foundation for the project’s implementation phase.
Once commissioned, the 247MW Kalungwishi Hydropower Project is expected to significantly increase Zambia’s electricity generation capacity, strengthen national energy security, and enhance the attractiveness of Luapula and Northern Provinces as destinations for industrial investment.
With government, private sector stakeholders, and traditional leaders united behind a common vision, the project has emerged as a powerful example of collaborative and inclusive development.
The initiative combines critical infrastructure investment with community partnership, laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth and improved livelihoods for generations to come.
