The unveiling of the 2026 Rural Electrification Plan by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) to Minister of Energy Hon. Makozo Chikote is a landmark moment in Zambia’s energy journey. With 149 projects planned—125 grid extensions and 24 off-grid solutions—the initiative promises 52,730 new electricity connections, reaching schools, health centres, public facilities, traditional palaces, and over 51,000 households nationwide.
This ambitious programme reflects government’s commitment to inclusive development, balanced regional growth, and universal access to electricity. Yet, its success will depend not only on infrastructure delivery but also on the cost of electricity, affordability for households, and sustainability for utility companies.
Precautions for Smooth Implementation
- Transparent Governance
- Establish independent oversight committees to monitor procurement, financing, and project delivery.
- Publish regular progress reports to build public trust and attract investor confidence.
- Community Engagement
- Involve traditional leaders, cooperatives, and local councils early to foster ownership and reduce resistance.
- Tailor electrification solutions to local needs, ensuring communities see energy access as a shared responsibility.
- Capacity Building
- Train local technicians and entrepreneurs to maintain both grid and off-grid systems.
- Partner with universities and vocational institutions to strengthen Zambia’s technical expertise.
- Phased Rollout
- Prioritize schools, clinics, and public facilities to deliver quick wins and demonstrate immediate impact.
- Apply lessons learned from early phases to improve efficiency in later stages.
- Robust Financing
- Blend government funding with concessional loans, grants, and private sector investment.
- Prepare contingency plans for climate risks, cost overruns, or delays.
Policy Measures for Affordability and Access
- Cost-Reflective Tariffs with Protection for the Poor
- Implement tariffs that reflect the true cost of service to attract local and foreign investment.
- Introduce lifeline tariffs for low-income households to ensure affordability of basic electricity needs.
- Targeted Subsidies
- Link subsidies to vulnerable households through social cash transfer programmes, avoiding blanket subsidies that strain public finances.
- Prepaid Metering
- Expand prepaid systems nationwide to help households manage consumption and avoid debt accumulation.
- Energy Efficiency Incentives
- Promote efficient appliances such as LED bulbs and solar water heaters to reduce household bills.
- Diversified Energy Mix
- Encourage solar home systems and mini-grids to complement the national grid and improve resilience.
Empowering Low-Income Households
- Connection Grants and Microfinance
- Provide grants or low-interest loans to cover initial connection fees and household wiring.
- Community Cooperatives
- Support rural energy cooperatives that pool resources for shared access and collective bargaining.
- Income-Generating Opportunities
- Link electrification to productive uses—agro-processing, ICT hubs, welding—so households can earn income to pay bills.
- Integration with Social Protection
- Align electricity subsidies with welfare programmes for seamless targeting.
- Awareness Campaigns
- Educate households on energy efficiency and responsible consumption to lower bills.
Conclusion: Energy Sovereignty Through Affordability
The REA’s 2026 plan is more than an infrastructure project—it is a nation-building initiative. Its success lies in balancing cost-reflective tariffs with protection for low-income households, ensuring that electricity remains affordable while utilities remain financially viable.
By embedding transparency, community ownership, and affordability measures, Zambia can establish a clear roadmap toward energy sovereignty—where access to electricity is not only universal but also sustainable, equitable, and empowering for generations to come.
