By Amos Sikaonga 
By Cecilia Chiluba
Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved 62 licenses and eight construction permits in the petroleum, electricity, and renewable energy sub-sectors with an investment pledge of K11 billion, equivalent to US$370 million.
The approval was made by the Board’s Licensing Committee during a meeting held on 15th April, 2025.
Board Manager -Public Relations Namukolo Kasumpa said the 62 licences cover a range of energy-related activities, including manufacture, supply, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy generating equipment.
Mrs. Kasumpa stated that other areas include road transportation of petroleum products, distribution, import, and export of petroleum products, importation, blending, packaging, distribution, and export of lubricants as well as distribution and supply of electricity.
She added that 114 road tank vehicles were licensed to enhance petroleum product transportation, and four newly built service stations were authorised to commence operations.
Mrs. Namukolo noted that the licences play a critical role in ensuring energy availability, enhancing operational efficiency, and promoting access to modern energy services and equipment across the country.
“During its meeting held on 15th April, 2025 the Licensing Committee of the Board reviewed and approved specified applications which demonstrated continued investor confidence in
Zambia’s energy sector.”
“The steady growth in investments highlights the country’s favourable
regulatory framework and the ERB’s efforts to streamline approval processes for investors to participate in the value chains,” Mrs. Kasumpa stated.
She explained that in terms of infrastructure development, three major construction permits were approved
in the electricity and renewable energy sub-sector.
Mrs. Kasumpa cited the projects as the Kalumbila-Kolwezi Interconnector Project (KKIP), a 200 kilometre, 330kV
transmission line by Enterprise Power Zambia Limited, valued at US$270 million,
and a 100 MWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant, to be developed by Sun Share Energy Limited in Chief Moono’s area, Mumbwa District, worth US$ 75 million.
She said the other infrastructure project involves an 8 MWp Off-grid Solar PV Power Plant integrated with 20 MWh battery storage to be developed by Sany International Zambia Industrial Company Li at Ruida Mine, in Kasempa District of North-Western Province, with an investment of US$8 million.
“The KKIP project is a major step toward strengthening regional power trade and advancing the government’s goal of attracting private sector investment in energy infrastructure.”
“In addition, the Sun Share Energy Limited initiative enhances diversification of Zambia’s power generation mix to reduce the dependence on hydropower,” she said.
Mrs. Namukolo further explained that the Sany International (Zambia) Industrial Company Li off-grid solar plant aligns with national priorities to expand electricity access for mining activities, particularly to support increased copper production while easing pressure on the national grid.
“The initiatives are key to improving energy access, safety, and service delivery
across the country.”
“To maintain this momentum, the ERB remains focused on strengthening investor confidence through predictable, safe, and efficient regulatory processes that support timely application reviews and project implementation,” Mrs. Kasumpa added.
Cecilia Chiluba