Zambia: Kapala Hails ZESCO’s K6.5 Billion Profit, Backs Drive For Universal Electricity Access

Zambia’s Minister of Electricity, Peter Kapala, has commended ZESCO Limited for its financial turnaround following the power utility’s declaration of a K6.5 billion profit last year, after years of financial challenges.

Kapala attributed the improved performance to the Government’s sound policies and reforms aimed at strengthening the electricity sector.

Speaking during a familiarisation visit to ZESCO Limited’s offices on Wednesday, following his appointment, Kapala said the Government was targeting universal electricity access by 2031, with three million households expected to be connected.

He stressed the need to accelerate electricity connections and strengthen infrastructure to support reliable power supply and economic growth.

“Our ambition to connect three million customers by 2030 is part of the Government’s commitment to achieving universal access to electricity,” he said.

The target is expected to expand access to electricity for households, communities and businesses, particularly in underserved areas, while creating opportunities for increased productivity, investment and improved livelihoods.

ZESCO Managing Director, Eng. Justin Loongo, commended the Government for electricity sector reforms that had opened up opportunities for private sector investment.

He said the utility was aligned with the national ambition of reaching 10,000 megawatts of generation capacity by 2029 and 12,000 megawatts by 2031.

Eng. Loongo said ZESCO was pursuing renewable energy projects, strengthening transmission infrastructure and exploring regional electricity trading to enhance power supply.

He said Zambia had surpassed 1,000 megawatts in solar generation, while ZESCO was targeting an increase in its customer base from the current 1.5 million to three million by 2031.

ZESCO Director of Transmission Operations and Trade, LiokoSitali said the country’s energy mix would undergo a significant transformation by 2030, with solar power expected to contribute 4,126 MW, hydropower 3,970 MW, thermal power 3,234 MW, wind 200 MW and other sources, including biomass, contributing 100 MW.

“We expect to reach the 10,000-megawatt milestone by 2029, a year earlier than initially projected,” he said.