Energy Talk, Real Action

... Nkandu says, EFFA 2025 launch not only pushes for outcomes, not just discussions but also sets the tone for Zambia’s clean energy transition.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (July 12, 2025) - The Zambian government officially launched the Energy Forum for Africa (EFFA) 2025, with a strong reaffirmation of its commitment to advancing local solutions and fostering stronger public-private partnerships in the energy sector.

Speaking during the official media launch held in Lusaka, Minister of Youth, Sports and Arts Hon. Elvis Nkandu—representing the Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, who was out on another assignment—called on Zambians to take full ownership of the country’s energy future rather than shifting blame.

He urged stakeholders to treat the launch not just as a ceremonial event, but as a catalyst for real action and sustained collaboration.

Nkandu stressed that solutions to Zambia’s energy challenges lie within the country and its people. Referring to a poem recited earlier at the launch, he said, “It reminded us that the solutions we’re looking for are already in this room. We may have challenges, yes—but I believe these can be resolved by us, the people of Zambia.”

The media launch brought together senior government officials, diplomats, investors, energy stakeholders, and media representatives in anticipation of the main EFFA 2025 conference scheduled for September 10–12.

Nkandu applauded the growing number of local players stepping up with solutions rather than finger-pointing. 

“Sometimes we’re quick to say, ‘the government this, the government that,’ but we forget that we are the government. You have simply entrusted us to manage your affairs temporarily. So when things aren’t working, we must sit together, like we are doing tonight, and figure them out,” he said.

Reflecting on a separate event he attended earlier that day—where over 60 companies committed to supporting sports development—Nkandu noted that effective governance creates space for private sector confidence and investment. 

“It became clear to me that when the government provides a conducive environment, the private sector steps up. That’s what leadership means,” he added.

He highlighted platforms such as the Public-Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF), initiated by President Hakainde Hichilema, as models for inclusive engagement. He emphasized that EFFA is one such space to convert ideas and relationships into tangible development.

Nkandu showcased recent reforms spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy, including streamlined licensing processes and enhanced transparency. 

He also announced the commissioning of the 100MW Chisamba Solar Power Plant, a public-private partnership project set to expand to 200MW.

 “This is more than a milestone—it’s proof of what is possible when government and business work together, united by a shared vision,” he said.

He went on to commend sector leaders like Engineer Chanda for their dedication, humorously noting that her commitment makes it seem as if she works for the Ministry of Energy.

Nkandu acknowledged that while Zambia has signed several Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with solar developers, many are yet to reach financial closure due to capital challenges. 

“We don’t lack ambition; we lack capital. And that’s why meetings like this are so critical—to bring developers and financiers into one room and help them reach financial close,” he said.

He praised Stanbic Bank and encouraged other institutions like Zanaco and Absa to scale up their support for energy financing.

Nkandu also called on journalists to balance their reporting by covering achievements as well as setbacks.

“You always highlight the negatives. Help us shine a light on our successes too. Give the people hope. Show them that change is happening, even if it’s one step at a time,” he urged.

The Minister reminded the audience that energy is not just about power generation, but also about enabling economic empowerment, skills development, and sustainable community progress. 

“Let’s not only invest in megawatts—let’s invest in people. Because they’re the ones who will carry the vision forward,” he said.

He likened the potential of the energy sector to that of sports, where strong partnerships and long-term vision create impact.

EFFA 2025, scheduled for September 10 to 12, will convene regional policymakers, financiers, developers, and other stakeholders to accelerate the continent’s shift toward clean, inclusive, and resilient energy systems.

Nkandu urged all stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric. “This is our time. Let’s move from talk to action,” he said. 

“Let’s move beyond the complaints and delays. The government has provided the platform. The rest is up to us.”

He closed by reaffirming the government’s full support for EFFA 2025 and invited the private sector, media, and development partners to play an active role. 

“I look forward to welcoming you all to the main forum in September. Let this be the moment we choose progress over blame, partnership over division, and solutions over silence.”

Energy Forum for Africa (EFFA) Chief Executive Officer Hope Chanda has commended the Zambian government and private sector for supporting the country’s clean energy agenda, describing Zambia as an emerging hub for sustainable energy investment.

Eng. Hope Chanda 

Speaking during the pre-launch dinner for the upcoming EFFA 2025 Conference in Lusaka, Chanda said the collaboration between public and private actors has contributed to meaningful reforms in the energy sector and unlocked new opportunities for growth.

“The support the Energy Forum for Africa has received from both government and the private sector is not just symbolic—it’s producing real results,” she said.

EFFA, launched in 2024 and inaugurated by President Hakainde Hichilema, has grown into a regional platform promoting investment in clean energy projects and facilitating cross-border collaboration.

Among its major successes is the 100MW solar power plant in Chisamba, currently the largest in Southern Africa outside South Africa. 

The project was spotlighted during the 2024 conference and later received over $75 million in financing from Stanbic Bank Zambia, with Kariba North Bank Power Extension Company as the lead developer. “That project moved from concept to reality through the forum. 

Our sponsors, including Africa GreenCo and FQM, helped secure the financing. This is what partnerships can achieve,” Chanda said.

In the aftermath of the 2024 conference, EFFA established three regional task forces—on Investment & Finance, Technical Support, and Policy & Regulation—with representatives from institutions such as the IFC, AfDB, and energy ministries from Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. 

The task forces are already reviewing projects that require financial, technical, or regulatory support.

Chanda emphasized the need to rapidly increase Zambia’s generation capacity to support the government’s target of producing 3 million tons of copper annually by 2033, which would require at least 10,000MW of electricity. 

“If we remain at the current 2,500MW, we will miss a major economic opportunity. This is the time to act,” she said.

She also stressed that energy must be viewed as a right, calling for greater inclusion of rural communities and a shift toward diversified and sustainable energy solutions.

EFFA 2025 is scheduled for September 10–12, 2025, under the theme “Investment Opportunities in the Energy Sector in Zambia and Africa.” 

The event will feature project spotlight sessions, a mining and critical minerals forum, youth innovation exhibitions, and investor roundtables.

“Our mission is to drive tangible outcomes—not just conversations. With continued collaboration, an energy-sufficient Zambia and Africa by 2030 is possible,” Chanda concluded.

The Energy Forum for Africa is emerging as a key platform for investment, innovation, and policy dialogue in the continent’s energy sector, as preparations intensify for its 2025 summit.

Forum convener Yvonne Bantubonse Mulasikwanda said interest in the event has grown significantly, attracting stakeholders from utility companies, legal and policy circles, investors, and global energy actors.

“The Energy Forum for Africa is becoming a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and change,” she said at a pre-summit event in Lusaka. “We’re seeing unprecedented engagement across the sector.”

Mulasikwanda highlighted the media’s role in amplifying the Forum’s vision and connecting it to broader communities, industries, and institutions. 

“The press plays a critical role in taking this message beyond the room,” she said. “Their stories will help shape public understanding of Africa’s energy transition.”

She also thanked sponsors and partners, noting their support is instrumental in sustaining momentum toward a sustainable energy future. 

“Your strategic partnerships are shaping the sector’s direction. We are building more than an event—we’re building a strong network of changemakers,” she added.

The 2025 summit is expected to focus on renewable energy, financing, regional integration, and policy reform