Zambia: Makozo Chikote Charges New Energy Regulatory Board To Be Firm And Prudent

Zambia’s Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, has charged the newly appointed Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to be firm, prudent, and professional in regulating the country’s energy sector, which he described as central to Zambia’s economic stability and growth.

During the Board’s induction meeting held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka, Minister Chikote stressed that the energy sector has no room for regulatory errors or indecision, urging the new Board to instill order across all institutions operating under the Ministry’s policy framework.

He reminded the Board that every action or decision taken by the ERB has a direct impact on the lives of all Zambians and must therefore be undertaken with a high sense of responsibility. “The energy sector affects every citizen—every home, every business. You must therefore act with prudence and ensure that your decisions benefit the people,” the Minister said.

While assuring the Board of the Government’s full support, the Minister also encouraged them to exercise their regulatory independence while ensuring that national policies are implemented fairly and objectively. He urged them to draw on the diverse expertise within the Board to guide the energy sector toward sustainable growth.

The Minister challenged the Board to prioritize resolving pressing issues like load-shedding, which continues to disrupt economic activity and livelihoods. He cited the success of policies like open access, which contributed to the recent reduction in fuel prices, and called for such gains to be translated into real benefits for the Zambian people.

The Minister further called for enhanced teamwork between the Board and ERB management, stressing the importance of continuous policy direction and effective checks and balances. “I expect you to provide regular guidance to management and ensure that institutional systems are efficient, transparent, and accountable,” he said.

The Minister expressed confidence in the composition of the new Board, describing it as a blend of seasoned Zambian professionals and energy experts. He noted that the Board is chaired by Mr. James Banda, a prominent Lusaka-based lawyer and businessman, whose leadership is expected to steer the institution to higher levels of performance.

The induction meeting marked the official commencement of the Board’s term, setting the tone for strong oversight and strategic leadership in Zambia’s energy regulatory landscape.

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com