Zambia Urges SAPP Members To Prioritize Mission 300 Agenda

The Zambian government has urged member countries of the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP) to prioritize the realization of Africa’s Mission 300 Journey — a strategic initiative aimed at defining the future of Africa’s energy sector.

Speaking at the official opening of SAPP’s 66th Management Committee Meeting held on 12 March 2026 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Energy Permanent Secretary for Electricity, Eng. Arnold Simwaba, on behalf of the Energy Minister, challenged delegates to work tirelessly toward achieving the five pillars of the Mission 300 Journey.

The Mission 300 Journey is anchored on expanding least-cost power generation, strengthening regional power markets, promoting last-mile access, encouraging private sector participation, and improving utility financial performance.

Eng. Simwaba noted that regional utilities continue to face challenges impeding progress in the energy sector.

“The utilities have been facing challenges that have affected their financial performance. Common issues across the region include high distribution losses, infrastructure theft, vandalism, and other operational inefficiencies. These challenges cost utilities millions of dollars annually,” he said.

“As such, there is a need for innovative technical solutions, stronger regulatory enforcement, and unified regional frameworks to ensure that our utilities remain financially viable and attractive to concessional financing,” he added.

Eng. Simwaba further urged SAPP to consider fiscal frameworks that support renewable energy investments.

“Equally important is the implementation of a robust, integrated renewable energy plan that will diversify our energy mix and reduce over-reliance on hydropower,” he explained.

He also highlighted that regional policymakers recognize barriers to electricity trade, particularly the lack of harmonization in taxes, duties, and levies applied by member states, which hinder market integration. In addition, challenges remain in obtaining certificates of origin for power traded through SAPP markets.

The Permanent Secretary reiterated Zambia’s continued efforts to engage key stakeholders in developing a harmonized framework for taxes, duties, and levies to facilitate cross-border electricity trade.