Access to electricity in Zambia has increased from 30% in 2017 to nearly 50% currently. While half of the population enjoys connectivity, the remainder will need alternative energy solutions. With 80% of Zambia's electricity generated from hydropower, recent droughts have highlighted the limitations of this energy source.
The Government of Zambia, in conjunction with the World Bank, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Africa Minigrid Development Association (AMDA), and other partners, is focusing on off-grid solar energy to ensure nationwide connectivity.
"Our target is to have at least 200 solar mini-grids operational by 2030, ensuring that every rural district in Zambia has access to clean, affordable, and reliable electricity,” stated Makozo Chikote, Minister of Energy of Zambia.
Solar home systems, comprising rooftop solar panels that supply electricity for basic needs, and mini grids, which provide electricity to entire villages, have the potential to benefit 8.5 million Zambians currently without electricity. Despite being cost-effective and straightforward for remote populations, developers face technical and financial hurdles.
A conference in Lusaka, organized by the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), COMESA, and AMDA from April 1st to the 3rd, will bring together stakeholders to review advancements in mini grid technology and strategies to overcome existing barriers to their implementation.
“Energy access changes people’s lives. It improves health and quality of life and helps create jobs and livelihoods that lift people out of poverty. The World Bank Group is partnering with the African Development Bank and other partners on Mission 300, an ambitious initiative to connect 300 million people to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 and accelerate development and poverty reduction. In Zambia, Mission 300 includes supporting an acceleration of the deployment of distributed renewable energy,” noted Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia.
With an average density of 24 inhabitants per square kilometer, Zambia is among the least densely populated countries globally, making electricity grid extensions challenging and costly. The World Bank supports Zambia's electricity access initiatives, including the development of mini-grids, via projects like the Electricity Services Access Project (ESAP) and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector Project (ZTIP), to increase access to affordable and sustainable energy.