ERB approves 23 licences worth ZMW 18.4 billion in energy investments

1 Views The Energy Regulation Board has approved 23 licences, 20 construction permits and several inclusions to existing licences representing approximately ZMW 18.4 billion in proposed investment across Zambia’s energy sector. The approvals, granted at the ERB Licensing Committee meeting held on 10th August 2026, are valued at about US$ 971.5 million and cover the […]

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The Energy Regulation Board has approved 23 licences, 20 construction permits and several inclusions to existing licences representing approximately ZMW 18.4 billion in proposed investment across Zambia’s energy sector.

The approvals, granted at the ERB Licensing Committee meeting held on 10th August 2026, are valued at about US$ 971.5 million and cover the electricity, renewable energy and downstream petroleum subsectors.

According to the ERB press statement, of the 23 licences approved: two cover the manufacture, supply, installation and maintenance of renewable energy generating equipment, eight cover petroleum transportation, 11 cover petroleum distribution, import and export.

Two others cover lubricant importation, blending, packaging, distribution and export

In addition, the board also approved the licensing of 116 petroleum transportation fuel tankers to strengthen the petroleum supply chain and enhance national distribution capacity.

The 20 construction permits comprise 11 utility scale solar power projects and 9 petroleum retail service stations. ERB said the projects will add new generation and fuel-retail capacity to the national energy infrastructure.

The regulator also authorised the commissioning of 5 retail service stations and 2 utility scale solar power projects, bringing additional compliant energy infrastructure into operational use.

ERB said the approvals demonstrate continued private-sector participation in Zambia’s energy sector and reinforce the importance of a transparent, predictable and responsive regulatory environment in facilitating sustainable energy investment.

“These approvals represent a significant pipeline of private-sector investment in Zambia’s energy sector, supporting infrastructure development, renewable energy expansion, petroleum supply security and improved access to energy services,” the statement reads.

ERB stated that all licences and permits were considered and approved in accordance with the Energy Regulation Act No. 12 of 2019 and applicable regulatory requirements.

The board reiterated its commitment to providing efficient, transparent and predictable regulatory oversight that enables responsible investment and innovation, while safeguarding consumers, safety, compliance and the long-term sustainability of Zambia’s energy sector.

The press statement was signed by Namukolo Kasumpa, Manager – Public Relations.

Zambia has spent the last few months in the grip of one of its worst energy shortages in years, with households, businesses and mines forced to adjust to long hours without electricity.

The crisis stems mainly from low water levels at the country’s key hydroelectric dams. Zambia relies on hydropower for more than 80 percent of its generation, and the drought that hit the region late last year left reservoirs at Kariba and other plants far below normal. As a result, the national utility has had to impose extended load shedding, in some areas up to 12 hours a day.

The power deficit has hit industry hardest. Copper mines, which account for the bulk of Zambia’s exports and foreign earnings, have reported reduced output and higher operating costs as they turn to diesel generators. Small businesses such as welders, millers and shops have also complained of lost income and spoiled stock.

On the consumer side, the outages have disrupted schooling, health services and daily life. Many Lusaka residents now plan their day around blackout schedules, while those who can afford it have bought solar panels, inverters and generators. Prices for solar equipment have risen sharply due to demand.

Government officials have acknowledged the problem and pointed to both climate factors and delayed investment in new generation. Efforts are underway to bring in emergency power imports from neighboring countries and to fast-track solar projects. The Energy Regulation Board has also approved a number of new licences for renewable energy and fuel distribution in recent weeks, aimed at diversifying supply.

Economists warn that if the situation persists, growth forecasts for 2026 will have to be revised down. They argue that Zambia needs to reduce its overreliance on hydro by investing more in solar, wind and regional interconnections.

For now, Zambians are bracing for more months of rationing, hoping rains later in the year will refill dams and ease the pressure on the grid.