Government says Zambia is on course to transition from an electricity deficit to an electricity surplus nation following wide-ranging reforms that have attracted unprecedented private sector investment and accelerated the diversification of the country’s energy mix.

Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary in charge of Electricity, Arnold Simwaba, says the reforms have enabled government to significantly improve electricity supply after the severe load shedding experienced between March 2024 and late 2025.

Speaking during a special interview with the media, Mr Simwaba revealed that government has added about 1,476 megawatts of new generation capacity and is confident of exceeding the target of 1,000 megawatts of solar power by the end of 2026, having already surpassed 800 megawatts of installed solar capacity.

Mr Simwaba explained that one of the major reforms was the introduction of the Open Access Framework, as well as the introduction of the Energy Single Licensing System which has drastically shortened licensing procedures and improved the ease of doing business in the energy sector.

The Permanent Secretary said government has also expanded the net metering programme, allowing households and businesses with rooftop solar systems to feed excess electricity into the national grid through specially installed bi-directional meters.

“The initiative is currently contributing about 30 megawatts of electricity to the national grid while reducing electricity bills for participating consumers,” he added.

He disclosed that several solar projects are already generating electricity ahead of their official commissioning, citing the Kafue Gorge Training Centre 15-megawatt project and the 15-megawatt facility at Kasupe in Chilanga district.

He pointed out that the country’s long-term objective is to achieve 10,000 megawatts of installed generation capacity by 2031, adding that government is complementing increased generation with major investments in transmission and distribution infrastructure to prevent power bottlenecks.

Mr Simwaba said ZESCO is reinforcing the national transmission network while private investors have also begun investing in transmission infrastructure following the reforms.

He added that Zambia is strengthening regional electricity trade through interconnector projects with neighbouring countries.

“Construction of the Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector is underway, with financing from the World Bank, the United Kingdom government and the European Union, while financing has also been secured for the Zambia–Malawi Interconnector,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary further said that future interconnections with Angola, Botswana and Mozambique are also planned, including electricity infrastructure under the Lobito Corridor development, investments which will position Zambia as a regional electricity hub.

Responding to claims that the improved electricity supply is temporary or politically motivated ahead of elections, Mr Simwaba dismissed the assertions, saying the current improvements are supported by long-term infrastructure investments financed through commercial loans and private sector participation.

He noted that government has since adopted an energy diversification strategy to reduce climate-related risks by expanding solar, coal, wind, geothermal, nuclear and hydropower generation.

Mr Simwaba also reiterated governments’ commitment to achieving universal access to electricity by 2030 while continuing to strengthen the country’s electricity infrastructure.

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