
(3 Minutes Read)
The Zambian Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, has reiterated the nation’s strong commitment to fostering investment and collaboration within its energy sector, ahead of the highly anticipated Energy Forum for Africa (EFFA) 2025. The event is scheduled to take place in Lusaka, Zambia, from September 10th to 12th, and is positioned as a crucial platform for unlocking Africa’s energy potential through actionable strategies and partnerships.
In a statement delivered on his behalf by Minister of Sport, Youth, and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, Chikote emphasized that EFFA 2025 is not just a high-level dialogue, but a catalyst for real, impactful change, particularly through public-private partnerships. “This year’s theme, ‘Investment Opportunities in the Energy Sector in Zambia and Africa,’ embodies our firm belief that with enabling policies and strong partnerships, we can turn our ambitions into financially viable and sustainable energy solutions,” the Minister stated.
Minister Chikote outlined recent achievements by the Ministry of Energy, noting ongoing reforms aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in the energy sector. These include:
- Streamlining the licensing process for energy projects.
- Expanding access to the national power grid.
- Promoting cross-border energy trade to integrate regional markets.
A notable milestone is the successful commissioning of the 100-megawatt Chisamba Solar Power Plant, one of Zambia’s largest solar installations to date. The project, developed by KNBEPC, was directly inspired by discussions held during EFFA 2024, showcasing the forum’s tangible impact on energy development.
Minister Chikote also revealed that ZESCO Limited, the state utility company, has signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with various solar energy developers totaling over 1,000 megawatts. However, he acknowledged that many of these projects still require financing, positioning EFFA 2025 as a strategic link between developers and investors.“EFFA 2025 will provide the vital bridge needed to connect innovative energy projects with the funding they require to succeed,” Chikote noted.
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EFFA 2025 is expected to draw top-tier participation from energy industry leaders, policymakers, financiers, and investors from across Africa and beyond. The forum will center on accelerating sustainable energy development and translating vision into real, bankable projects that meet the growing energy needs of the continent.
With Zambia positioning itself as a regional energy hub, EFFA 2025 is set to play a transformative role in steering the country — and Africa — toward a greener, more inclusive energy future.