Achieving Universal Energy Access

.... Released Report Explores the Zambia's Rural Electrification Challenges that Impede Electricity Access in Rural Areas

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia – (26-12-2024) – The Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats), has unveiled the findings of the 2023 National Energy Access Survey (NEAS). 

This survey provides vital data that will inform future policies and initiatives aimed at improving energy access in Zambia.

Conducted in August 2023, the survey sheds light on critical issues related to energy affordability, reliability, and accessibility, identifying areas that require immediate attention from both the government and the private sector to ensure equitable energy distribution across the country.

The comprehensive survey covers all ten provinces and goes beyond traditional binary measures of energy access. 

It offers in-depth insights into household energy sources, costs, and consumption patterns. Key findings indicate that while some households are connected to the national grid, many still depend on expensive and unsafe biomass for cooking, with a significant portion of their income spent on energy.

Peter Mumba, Permanent Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Energy, emphasized the importance of the survey in shaping Zambia’s energy future. 

"The results from this survey will guide targeted policy actions and interventions needed to address energy gaps, particularly in rural and underserved areas. These findings are vital to ensuring affordable and sustainable energy solutions for all Zambians."

The report also highlights the potential of alternative energy solutions, such as solar power, to address energy access challenges, especially in rural areas where infrastructure remains limited.

The Ministry of Energy is urging stakeholders, including policymakers, energy providers, and researchers, to utilize the NEAS data to develop actionable solutions aimed at addressing Zambia’s energy challenges. 

Anonymized data will be made available for further analysis to support ongoing energy sector reforms.

In addition to the NEAS, the Ministry of Energy also launched the 2023 National Energy Access Baseline Survey Report, which reveals significant improvements in electricity access, particularly in urban areas. 

The report, launched by Permanent Secretary Peter Mumba, shows that 53.6 percent of households nationwide now have access to electricity.

Lusaka Province leads with 78 percent electricity access, followed by the Copperbelt at 64.2 percent. However, Eastern Province has the lowest access rate at 37 percent. 

While rural areas still face challenges, the survey reveals that 34 percent of rural households now have electricity, compared to 80.3 percent in urban areas.

Peter Mumba reiterated the government’s commitment to improving electricity access in rural areas. 

He emphasized that the data from the survey would guide informed policy decisions and support efforts to reduce disparities between urban and rural access rates.

The National Grid remains the primary source of electricity for most households. Solar energy is the second most used source, with 36.5 percent of households relying on it for lighting. 

Although charcoal use for cooking remains high, the use of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) for cooking has seen an increase.

Nearly all households without electricity expressed a willingness to be connected to the grid, reflecting a strong demand for electricity in underserved areas.

The launch of the 2023 Energy Access Survey Report is a crucial step in addressing Zambia’s energy challenges, with collaboration from the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), Zambezi River Authority, Rural Electrification Authority, and Zesco Limited.

The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving universal electricity access in Zambia by 2030, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 7.

 

During the launch of the 2023 National Energy Access Survey (NEAS), REA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Linus Chanda, in a statement read on his behalf by Ms. Mercedes Mwansa, REA Director of Strategy and Planning, described the survey as a critical step in shaping Zambia's energy future.

“This survey represents a significant milestone in Zambia’s pursuit of universal electricity access,” he said.

Eng. Chanda explained that despite efforts by the Government of Zambia (GRZ) through the Rural Electrification Program (REP) and private sector participation, rural communities remain underserved compared to urban areas.

He emphasized the need for targeted interventions, stating, “This disparity highlights the importance of our mandate and the need for an inclusive approach to energy access.”

He further revealed that the Ministry of Energy (MoE) and REA have redefined electricity access using the Multi-Tier Framework (MTF) to provide more accurate measurements.

“The revised definition allows us to consider various energy sources and service levels, reflecting the diversity of supply options and the real energy experiences of households,” Chanda noted.

The NEAS, he added, aims to establish a national baseline for energy access, evaluate household connections, and track the adoption of off-grid solutions, such as solar home systems and mini-grids.

“These insights will improve our ability to plan and implement electrification projects more effectively,” he said.

REA also acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders in advancing Zambia’s electrification goals.

“The success of this initiative results from collaboration among government agencies, energy regulators, project developers, civil society, development partners, and international organizations,” Chanda said.

Eng. Chanda concluded by expressing optimism that the NEAS data would bring Zambia closer to its 2030 electrification target.

“We are committed to delivering inclusive and sustainable energy solutions, ensuring that no community is left behind,” he stated.

Ms. Mwansa shared additional insights on the progress of Zambia's electrification efforts. She noted that from 2003 to 2024, substantial progress had been made in electrifying rural communities, with electricity access rising from just 8.4% to 34%. 

She attributed this achievement to strategic partnerships, the support of cooperating partners, and the implementation of both off-grid and grid technologies.

 She emphasized that the mandate of the Rural Electrification Authority is to empower rural communities through equitable and sustainable electrification, driving socio-economic transformation.

“Our definition of access has evolved,” Mwansa said. “It’s no longer limited to grid power but now includes off-grid solutions like solar home systems and mini-grids. This approach ensures that rural communities benefit from diverse and sustainable energy sources.”

She also highlighted that the REA’s strategy incorporates both grid and off-grid technologies, stressing the vital role of the private sector in supporting these efforts. As Zambia works toward universal electricity access by 2030, 

Mwansa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to meeting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7.

The NEAS findings, she added, will drive innovative strategies and investments aimed at bridging Zambia’s energy gap, particularly in underserved rural areas.

The 2023 National Energy Access Survey (NEAS) and the accompanying report have been key tools in identifying challenges and opportunities for energy access across Zambia. 

With the contributions of all stakeholders, including the government, cooperating partners, and private sector, Zambia is on a clear path toward achieving universal access to electricity.