HH Calls for Power Grid Investment

President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has called for increased investment in electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure to support Zambia’s target of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity.

The President said the 10,000-megawatt target is not an end in itself, but a key enabler of growth in sectors such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing.

His remarks were delivered in a speech read on his behalf by Vice President MUTALE NALUMANGO during the Third Energy Forum for Africa in Lusaka.

President HICHILEMA said Zambia’s installed electricity generation capacity has increased from 3,777 megawatts in 2024 to 4,722.3 megawatts currently.

He added that solar power capacity has grown from 178 megawatts in 2024 to 1,027.5 megawatts, surpassing the country’s 2026 target of 1,000 megawatts.

The President said the achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when Government policy, private investment, financing and project implementation work together effectively.

He, however, stressed the need to further diversify the country’s energy mix through investments in solar power, thermal generation, battery storage and other technologies to reduce reliance on hydropower.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary ARNOLD SIMWAMBA urged investors with signed implementation and power purchase agreements to move forward with project implementation.

And Zimbabwean Energy Minister JULY MOYO called for stronger regional electricity interconnections across Africa to facilitate cross-border power trade.

Mr MOYO said integrated regional power systems would help countries respond more effectively to energy shortages while supporting industrialisation and economic growth.

He added that countries in Southern Africa should not wait for energy crises before strengthening interconnections, especially as climate-related challenges become more frequent.