Zambia: Energy Minister Launches NEAT Project To Expand Rural Electrification By 2030

Zambian Minister for Energy Makozo Chikote launched the National Energy Advancement Transformation (NEAT) project in Itezhi Tezhi District, reaffirming the government’s commitment to accelerating access to reliable and sustainable energy in rural communities.

The NEAT project aims to expand rural electricity access through a strategic combination of grid extension and off-grid renewable energy solutions, aligning with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the country’s green growth agenda.

The project’s key objectives include increasing electricity access in rural areas, promoting clean and renewable energy technologies, improving economic opportunities, and supporting sustainable development.

Minister Chikote emphasized that rural electrification is a top priority, with the goal of connecting most rural households by 2030.

“No Zambian should be left behind in our journey towards energy equity,” he said, highlighting the reduced electricity connection fee from K4,800 to K300.

REA Board Chairperson Bruce Jaani praised the initiative’s transformative potential, expecting over 15,000 rural households to benefit from electricity access in 2024.

He encouraged communities to connect their homes to the grid and adopt off-grid solutions where necessary.

The Director of Power Generation, Ernest Banda, who represented ZESCO Managing Director Justin Loongo, reaffirmed ZESCO’s dedication to supporting the NEAT program.

“We are pleased to partner with the Rural Electrification Authority and the Ministry of Energy to actualize the NEAT project,” Mr. Banda stated.

“Together, we remain committed to making electricity accessible to all Zambians, regardless of location.”

Source:https://energynewsafrica.com