Secure Energy for Zambia
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (12-05-2026)- The Zambian Government has assured the people of Zambia that it has managed the country’s energy crisis responsibly and that the future of the energy sector is steadily improving following a series of reforms and investments introduced during one of the country’s most difficult periods of power shortages.
Speaking during his farewell address ahead of the dissolution of Parliament, said the country is now moving towards a more stable, diversified and sustainable energy future after overcoming challenges that affected nearly every sector of the economy.
Chikote said when he was appointed Minister of Energy by President , Zambia’s energy sector was under immense pressure due to low water levels caused by climate change, rising electricity demand, ageing infrastructure and years of underinvestment in power generation.
He said the situation resulted in prolonged load shedding that disrupted economic activity and negatively affected ordinary citizens across the country.
The minister acknowledged that households, hospitals, schools, businesses and industries all suffered during the crisis, with many families forced to live without reliable electricity for long hours.
He said small businesses such as salons, restaurants, welding shops and other enterprises experienced severe financial losses because of power cuts, while farmers also struggled with productivity challenges.
Chikote further noted that students in both public and private institutions faced difficulties studying because of unreliable electricity supply, but praised them for remaining patient during the difficult period.
“I remember the frustration and anger that citizens felt during the crisis. People were suffering and the entire economy was affected. But despite all the hardships, Zambians remained patient and peaceful, and that support encouraged us to continue working hard,” he said.
The minister revealed that government understood early in the crisis that short-term measures alone would not solve the country’s energy challenges and therefore decided to implement long-term reforms aimed at transforming the sector.
According to Chikote, one of the biggest lessons government learned was that Zambia could no longer depend entirely on hydropower following the impact of climate change on water levels.
He said government therefore decided to diversify the country’s energy mix by accelerating investment in solar energy, thermal power and other renewable energy sources.
“As government, we realised we needed to think beyond the traditional way of doing things. Climate change taught us an important lesson, and that lesson was that Zambia must diversify its sources of electricity if we are to secure the future of the country,” he said.
Chikote stated that the country is now witnessing increased investment in renewable energy projects, particularly solar power stations being developed in different parts of Zambia.
He said these investments are not only helping to improve electricity supply but are also attracting new partnerships and creating opportunities for economic growth.
The minister also disclosed that government introduced reforms aimed at opening up the energy sector to private sector participation in order to increase investment and improve efficiency.
He explained that several projects which had stalled for years are now progressing because government created an enabling environment for investors and cooperating partners to participate in the sector.
Chikote praised stakeholders in the energy industry, including ZESCO, the Energy Regulation Board, TAZAMA Pipeline, cooperating partners, local and foreign investors, and workers in the Ministry of Energy for supporting government efforts throughout the crisis.
He said teamwork among institutions in the sector played a major role in helping the country navigate the difficult period.
The minister further thanked the media for helping government communicate developments in the energy sector to citizens during the crisis.
He said despite criticism from some sections of society during the height of load shedding, government remained focused on finding lasting solutions to the challenges facing the country.
Chikote added that Zambia is now positioning itself to become a major regional energy hub through increased power generation and electricity trade with neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi.
He explained that government’s long-term vision is not only to end load shedding but also to transform Zambia into a reliable exporter of electricity within the region.
According to the minister, the country’s central location and growing investment in energy infrastructure place Zambia in a strong position to contribute to regional energy security.
He also stressed that improving electricity supply will help strengthen the economy, create jobs and improve living standards for citizens.
Chikote said government is particularly focused on increasing access to electricity in rural areas where electrification levels remain low.
He said ongoing projects are aimed at ensuring that more households across the country gain access to reliable electricity in the coming years.
The minister expressed confidence that the reforms implemented under the current administration have laid a strong foundation for future growth in the energy sector.
“As I leave office, I do so with pride because together we have planted the seed of transformation in the energy sector. The foundation has been laid, and I believe the future of Zambia’s energy sector is brighter than ever before,” he said.
Chikote also used the occasion to thank President Hakainde Hichilema for trusting him with leadership positions in government, first as Minister of Fisheries and Livestock and later as Minister of Energy.
He said the opportunity to serve in Cabinet added value to his life and gave him important leadership experience.
The minister concluded by thanking the people of Zambia for standing by him during one of the toughest periods in the country’s energy history.
He also announced that he will now return to his constituency to seek another mandate in the upcoming general elections.
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