GOVT RACES TO CLOSE ENERGY GAP

Government targets 10,000MW of electricity generation by 2031, with investment in renewable energy and infrastructure to expand access and support industrialisation.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24 — 12-10-2026 — Zambia is targeting 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation by 2031 as Government works to increase power supply, attract investment and extend electricity access to underserved communities.

Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary for Electricity, Eng Arnold Simwaba, told Zambia24 in a statement issued by the Ministry’s Principal Public Relations Officer, Bob Sianjalika, that Government was implementing policy and regulatory reforms to attract investment, increase electricity generation and improve access to reliable and affordable energy.

The 2026 Energy Week runs from October 12 to 16 under the theme, “Bridging the Energy Gap – Accelerating Universal Access and Industrialisation.”

Eng Simwaba said the theme reflected Government’s commitment to addressing the energy deficit and meeting the needs of households, businesses, farms, mines and industries.

He said reliable electricity was essential for economic growth, job creation and improved productivity.

The 2031 generation target will be supported by investments in power plants, transmission lines, distribution networks and off-grid energy systems.

Government diversifies energy sources

Eng Simwaba said Government was promoting different energy sources to strengthen national energy security and reduce dependence on a single source of power.

These include solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass, alongside conventional power generation.

He said renewable energy would help extend electricity access to communities far from the national grid.

Mini-grids and standalone solar systems would also provide power to schools, health facilities, farms, small businesses and households in underserved areas.

Eng Simwaba said Government was upgrading existing electricity infrastructure to improve reliability and reduce technical losses.

He said stronger transmission and distribution networks were needed to ensure that additional electricity reached consumers.

Government seeks energy investment

Eng Simwaba said policy and regulatory reforms were intended to make it easier to invest in the energy sector, speed up project development and improve transparency.

He called on local and international investors to take advantage of Zambia’s growing demand for electricity and its renewable energy resources.

He said energy investments could create jobs in construction, manufacturing and engineering while opening opportunities for Zambian businesses.

Eng Simwaba added that greater local participation would support skills development and technology transfer.

On electricity tariffs, he said cost-reflective and transparent pricing was important for the financial sustainability of the sector.

However, he said Government remained concerned about the impact of electricity costs on vulnerable households and businesses and would continue exploring ways to protect consumers.

Rural communities remain a priority

Eng Simwaba said Government would prioritise rural and underserved communities where limited electricity access affected education, healthcare, agriculture and small businesses.

He said reliable electricity could improve learning conditions in schools and help health facilities provide essential services.

It could also enable farmers to use modern technologies and help businesses operate more efficiently.

Eng Simwaba said a stable power supply was equally important for industrialisation.

He said energy planning would support growth in manufacturing, mining, agriculture, digital services and value addition.

Consumers urged to save electricity

Eng Simwaba urged households, businesses and public institutions to use electricity responsibly.

He encouraged consumers to use efficient appliances and avoid unnecessary power wastage.

He said energy efficiency could reduce pressure on the national grid, lower operating costs and support environmental sustainability.

Energy Week activities will include stakeholder meetings, technical discussions and public awareness programmes on electricity access, safety, conservation and renewable energy.

Eng Simwaba said Government would continue working with investors, development partners, traditional leaders, local communities and other stakeholders to ensure that energy development benefited the country.

“The Government remains determined to bridge the energy gap and ensure that every Zambian has access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy,” he said.

The 2026 Energy Week is being commemorated in Kabwe. The Ministry of Energy has invited the public, private sector, civil society, academia and development partners to participate in discussions on the future of Zambia’s energy sector.