PROGRESS FOR 2026:

Energy remains central to Zambia’s development, and the 2026 Budget allocates K5.7 billion to the energy sector, including K500 million dedicated to an Electricity Fund. The goal is to expand access, reduce load-shedding, and diversify the country’s energy mix.

The President has prioritised energy delivery with clear targets: adding 1000 MW of solar power in 2025, and actualising at least 600 MW to increase grid capacity by 2026. This includes decentralised projects under ZESCO’s Microgen program, which will deliver at least 170 MW in off-grid and underserved areas.

Reliable electricity is more than an infrastructure investment; it is the foundation for growth across sectors. Hospitals, schools, irrigation systems, and businesses all depend on stable power. For industrial investors, access to energy is often the first condition for capital commitments.

The Ministry of Energy leads this priority, working alongside ZESCO, the Energy Regulation Board, and private investors. Public-private partnerships are key in scaling solar farms, mini-hydro projects, and grid expansion. Communities also play a role by safeguarding infrastructure and supporting local energy initiatives such as rooftop solarisation.

The PDU closely monitors delivery, ensuring that each investment results in real connections and reliability improvements. By linking energy access to jobs, industrial competitiveness, and citizen welfare, this initiative drives the broader vision of sustainable and inclusive national development.