Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: April 1, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
Zambia reaffirmed its dedication to accelerating rural electrification and fostering sustainable energy solutions at the Eighth Mini-Grids Action Learning Event, held at the Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka.
The event, which brought together government officials, international energy experts, and private sector stakeholders, underscored the critical role of mini-grids in achieving universal electricity access across Africa.
Hon. Makozo Chikote, Minister of Energy, officially opened the gathering, emphasizing Zambia’s progress and ambitions in the energy sector. In his address, he highlighted the country’s impressive growth in electricity access, which has risen from 31% in 2021 to 51% in 2024. Despite this progress, rural electrification remains a pressing challenge, with only 34% of the rural population currently connected to electricity.
“With approximately 600 million people across Africa still lacking electricity, the need for innovative and scalable solutions has never been greater,” Hon. Chikote stated. “For Zambia, mini-grids and solar home systems represent a viable, cost-effective path to achieving universal access by 2030.”
As part of its commitment to energy expansion, the Zambian government is actively implementing the Mission 300 (M300) Initiative. This ambitious program aims to electrify 1.4 million households through solar home systems and an additional 328,000 households via mini-grids, enhancing livelihoods and driving economic growth in underserved communities.
Hon. Chikote acknowledged the persistent challenges in off-grid electrification, including affordability constraints, sparse rural populations, regulatory hurdles, and limited access to low-cost financing. However, he reassured stakeholders of the New Dawn Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private sector investment.
“In the past five years, Zambia has increased its number of mini-grids from just two to nineteen, demonstrating our nation’s progress and potential in this sector,” he noted. “This momentum will continue as we enhance policy frameworks and attract further investments.”
The three-day event serves as a crucial platform for energy leaders to share insights, exchange best practices, and establish strategic partnerships. Participants are expected to explore ways to ensure the long-term sustainability of mini-grids and off-grid solutions, ensuring these projects remain viable for future generations.
Hon. Chikote urged all attendees to actively engage in discussions and contribute toward a tangible action plan. “By the conclusion of this event, I look forward to a well-defined roadmap that will drive Zambia’s mini-grid expansion and reinforce our commitment to sustainable development.”
As Zambia takes bold steps towards universal electrification, this event reaffirms its position as a leader in Africa’s energy transformation, harnessing the power of collaboration, innovation, and investment to illuminate the future.
The Agency.