(3 Minutes Read)
Zambia has unveiled a bold strategy to increase its electricity generation capacity to about 2,160 megawatts (MW) by 2026, aiming to resolve its long-standing power shortages and enhance national energy security.
The plan was announced by Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote during a meeting with independent power producers (IPPs) in Lusaka, where he underscored the government’s commitment to energy sector reforms and stronger collaboration with private investors. According to figures released by the Ministry of Energy in June 2025, Zambia currently generates approximately 1,019 MW of electricity, far below national demand.
The country is facing a power deficit of more than 1,600 MW, a situation worsened by the prolonged drought of the 2023–2024 season. With hydropower accounting for nearly 80 percent of electricity generation, reduced water levels in major reservoirs have highlighted the risks of overreliance on climate-sensitive energy sources.
In response, the government has intensified efforts to diversify the energy mix and attract private investment through policy reforms. This approach has encouraged increased participation by IPPs in both renewable and conventional energy projects. Minister Chikote said the government’s long-term objective is to shift Zambia from a power deficit to a surplus, enabling it to become a net electricity exporter within the Southern African region.
He noted that national installed capacity must expand beyond the current 3,800 MW to keep pace with demand, which has already exceeded 2,400 MW. Achieving this, he stressed, will require sustained partnerships with IPPs and clearer coordination on project roles, responsibilities and timelines.
The expansion initiative is aligned with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), which prioritises sustainable industrial growth, infrastructure development and regional energy integration. As part of this agenda, the government is exploring greater investment in solar, wind and geothermal energy, while leveraging regional platforms such as the Southern African Power Pool.
Energy analysts say Zambia’s push for a more diversified and resilient power sector mirrors a broader African trend toward sustainable energy development, local innovation and inclusive investment. Although challenges remain—particularly in financing, transmission infrastructure and environmental management—the strategy reflects a balanced approach to meeting economic needs while advancing sustainability.
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By deepening cooperation with domestic and international partners, Zambia aims to secure reliable electricity for its citizens and industries, while also supporting regional energy stability. Ultimately, the country’s energy drive forms part of a wider African narrative of resilience and self-determined development, rooted in locally informed solutions to shared challenges.
