Government courts private sector investment in power sector

The Zambian government has reiterated its stance that private sector partnerships are indispensable to transforming the country's energy landscape. Speaking in Lusaka during the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Zambia Energy Corporation (Zam-En), Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati underscored that achieving the national target of 10,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation capacity by 2031 requires robust, active participation from independent power producers and corporate investors. Mr. Mutati emphasized that President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration remains steadfastly committed to dismantling bureaucratic hurdles that traditionally frustrate commercial ventures. He urged investors to maintain open lines of communication with state institutions, encouraging them to flag bottlenecks and administrative delays immediately so that corrective measures can be expedited. This proactive approach forms a cornerstone of the broader Grow Zambia Agenda, which seeks to align industrial expansion with reliable, sustainable energy supplies. Zambia’s historic over-reliance on hydroelectric generation has left the economy vulnerable to climate-induced shocks and severe droughts, making diversification an urgent national priority. To counter this, current policy frameworks—including the Electricity Open Access Regulations and the Energy Single Licensing System—are designed to create a more competitive, market-driven environment. These regulatory milestones aim to draw capital into alternative energy sectors, spanning solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and thermal projects. In addition to expanding traditional and renewable generation capacities, the government is leveraging emerging technologies to optimize national resources. Mr. Mutati noted that the Ministry of Technology and Science is prioritizing the integration of artificial intelligence and digital innovations to streamline industrial operations, manage systemic risks, and support future infras