Zambia Launches Subsidy Program to Expand Rural Electricity Access
REA and ZESCO Introduce Last-Mile Connection Fee Subsidy to Boost Rural Electricity Access in Zambia
The Rural Electrification Authority (REA), in partnership with ZESCO Limited, has officially launched the Last-Mile Connection Fee Subsidy Programme under the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Transformation in Zambia (ASCENT Zambia) initiative.
ASCENT Zambia is a five-year programme supported by a US$200 million World Bank project, complemented by US$250 million in government funding. The initiative aims to accelerate universal access to affordable, reliable, and clean electricity, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.
Under the new subsidy programme, households and businesses requiring a standard single-phase connection will pay only K300 instead of K4,846. This dramatic reduction removes financial barriers and enables wider access to the national grid. The programme targets 100,000 new on-grid connections in 2026.
Eligibility is primarily determined by proximity to existing infrastructure, with applicants required to be within 30 metres of a low-voltage distribution pole. REA and ZESCO will publish lists of eligible districts and townships, which the public is encouraged to consult.
In line with the programme’s inclusion objectives, women-headed households and female-owned enterprises in eligible areas are particularly encouraged to apply. Each province has been allocated 10,000 subsidised connections during the initial rollout to ensure nationwide equity and participation.
REA and ZESCO will review uptake after the first 30 days and may adjust provincial targets to optimise utilisation and ensure maximum national impact.
Eligible households and businesses are urged to apply promptly to take advantage of this opportunity. Full details, including lists of eligible areas and application procedures, are available via official REA and ZESCO communication channels or at local offices.
This announcement was made in a joint statement by Ms. Ndekela Mazimba, Senior Public Relations Officer, REA, and Ms. Rose Sibisi, Stakeholder Relations Manager, ZESCO Limited.
