US$1.52bn Power Plan Unveiled

Zambia targets universal electricity access by 2030 under new Rural Electrification Master Plan

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (13-4-2026) -- Zambia has unveiled a US$1.52 billion power plan aimed at achieving universal electricity access by 2030, with a strong focus on expanding supply to rural communities under the updated Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP) 2025–2030.

Minister of Energy Hon. Makozo Chikote said the launch of the revised REMP marks a strategic shift from gradual electrification to a more deliberate and accelerated approach to ensuring that all citizens have access to affordable and reliable electricity.

Speaking at the launch at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Tuesday, Chikote said the updated plan aligns with Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal 7, which prioritise universal access to modern energy.

He said electricity remains central to economic growth and national development.

The minister noted that the new plan replaces the 2008 Rural Electrification Master Plan, which he said no longer reflects current population growth, settlement patterns and rising rural economic activity.

He said the framework is now based on a least-cost geospatial electrification planning model, which helps government identify the most cost-effective energy solutions depending on demand and location.

Chikote said the plan raises Zambia’s rural electrification ambition from 51 percent coverage to universal access by 2030, describing it as a deliberate policy shift that requires strong collaboration with cooperating partners, financial institutions and the private sector.

He said successful implementation of the plan will expand electricity access to households and public institutions, improve productivity in agriculture and small businesses, and strengthen service delivery in health and education.

Rural Electrification Authority Chief Executive Officer Eng. Alex Mbumba said the updated plan reflects a more data-driven and accelerated approach to expanding electricity access nationwide.

He said the revised strategy introduces a least-cost approach combining grid extension, solar mini-grids and stand-alone solar home systems.

Mbumba said the plan aims to deliver 2.5 million new connections by 2030, including 740,000 through grid expansion, 328,000 via solar mini-grids and 1.4 million from solar home systems.

He added that a dynamic geospatial platform will support real-time planning and improve coordination of investments, while new financing models and stronger private sector participation will be key to implementation.

Mbumba said achieving universal access is not only a technical challenge but also a financing and delivery challenge, requiring broad collaboration among government, development partners, the private sector and communities.

The updated Rural Electrification Master Plan was developed by the Ministry of Energy with support from various stakeholders.

Zambia Targets Universal Energy Access to Drive Economic Transformation

And Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Kusobile Kamwambi, said Zambia’s push for universal electricity access is central to achieving national development goals, including financial inclusion, digital transformation, and industrial growth.

He said energy access has become a key driver of economic transformation, noting that rising development targets since 2021 have necessitated a shift from 51 percent electricity access to universal coverage.

Kamwambi said the country is also planning to expand generation capacity to about 10 gigawatts by 2031 to meet growing domestic demand and support potential power exports.

He said the updated Rural Electrification Master Plan reflects a flexible and responsive approach to planning, aligned with national priorities.

Kamwambi stressed that implementation, rather than planning alone, will determine success, warning that development plans must not remain unused after approval.

He said the PDU will prioritize monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective execution of government programmes, with emphasis on accountability and delivery.

Kamwambi also noted improved coordination in the energy sector, citing stronger collaboration between government and private sector players in recent investments and infrastructure development.

He said the PDU will continue tracking progress through structured work plans to ensure efficient implementation of energy priorities.

And Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy said Zambia has transitioned from a static rural electrification framework to a dynamic spatial planning system that enables real-time updates and improved decision-making in the energy sector.

He said the updated Rural Electrification Master Plan replaces the 2020 version and introduces an interactive platform that reflects current conditions on the ground.

Prof. Mushifwe explained that the system will allow users to zoom into specific locations, including areas such as , to access updated electrification data, thereby improving planning accuracy and implementation.

He said the reform ensures that energy planning is guided by current information rather than outdated data, strengthening the reliability of decisions in the sector.

Prof. Mushifwe added that the framework adopts a least-cost approach tailored to Zambia’s diverse geography, guiding decisions on whether to extend the national grid, deploy solar systems, or develop mini-grids depending on local conditions.

He said the updated plan is key to advancing the country’s goal of achieving universal electricity access.