Zambia: ERB Approves 35 Licences, 15 Construction Permits Worth $284 Million In Zambia’s Energy Sector

Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved thirty-five (35) licence applications and fifteen (15) construction permits across the petroleum, electricity, and renewable energy sub-sectors, representing a total investment pledge of over ZMW 6.5 billion (US$ 284 million).

According to the regulator, the approvals—granted at the Board’s Licensing Committee meeting held on 15th October 2025—reflect growing investor confidence and sustained interest in Zambia’s energy sector.

In a statement, the ERB noted that the continued inflow of investments underscores the country’s favourable regulatory environment and ongoing efforts to streamline approval processes. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring predictable, safe, and efficient regulatory mechanisms that facilitate timely project implementation.

The 35 approved licences span various energy activities, including:

15 for the manufacture, supply, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy generating equipment;

9 for the road transportation of petroleum products;

4 for the distribution, import, and export of petroleum products;

1 for wholesale marketing of petroleum products;

1 for retail of petroleum products;

1 for biofuel production as an alternative to charcoal;

1 for electricity generation;

1 for electricity supply; and

1 for electricity distribution.

These licences are expected to enhance energy availability, promote operational efficiency, and expand access to modern energy services and technologies nationwide.

In the area of infrastructure development, two major construction permits were granted within the electricity and renewable energy sub-sectors:

Maamba Solar Energy Limited, which will develop a 118.4 MWp / 100 MWac Solar PV Power Plant in Sinazongwe District, with an investment of about US$ 90 million; and

United Capital Fertilizer Zambia Company Limited, for a 50 MW Steam Turbine Generator Project to supply dedicated power to its Lusaka fertilizer plant, estimated at US$ 70 million.

Additionally, the ERB authorised 60 road tank vehicles to strengthen petroleum transportation and approved three new service stations to commence operations.

The regulator emphasized that these approvals align with Zambia’s national energy policies and its commitment to fostering a transparent and sustainable investment climate that supports the country’s energy transition goals.