An Energy Expert has applauded President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration for the progress being made in transforming Zambia’s electricity sector and advancing towards the 10,000-megawatt generation capacity target.
In an open letter to President Hichilema, Eng. Bornface Zulu said the 10,000MW ambition represents more than an energy target, describing it as a national development agenda capable of supporting industrialization, mining expansion, agriculture, investment, job creation and improved living standards.
Eng. Zulu said Zambia’s installed electricity generation capacity has increased from 3,777MW in 2024 to 4,722.3MW in 2026, representing an additional 945.3MW.
He stated that the growth demonstrates the country’s commitment to strengthening energy security. “Your aspiration to achieve 10,000 megawatts of installed electricity generation capacity is far more than an energy target. It is a national development agenda that seeks to unlock industrial growth, accelerate mining expansion, strengthen agricultural productivity, attract investment, create jobs, and improve living standards for millions of Zambians,” he noted.
Eng. Zulu said solar energy has recorded particularly significant growth, with generation capacity increasing from 178MW in 2024 to 1,027.5MW in 2026, adding that this represents an increase of 849.5MW, or 477.2 percent, over the two-year period.
He stressed that the rapid expansion of solar power marks a fundamental shift in Zambia’s energy landscape, which has historically been heavily dependent on hydropower and therefore vulnerable to drought and climate variability.
“These are not merely statistics. They represent a fundamental shift in Zambia’s energy landscape,” Eng. Zulu stated.
Eng. Zulu also welcomed the President’s call for increased investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure, saying electricity generation must be matched by adequate infrastructure to deliver power efficiently to households, businesses, mines, farms, schools and hospitals.
“As Zambia advances toward the 10,000 MW target, investment in transmission lines, substations, grid modernization, battery storage systems, and regional interconnections will be essential,” he said.
He further paid tribute to ZESCO Limited for its role in maintaining electricity supply amid reduced water levels, rising demand, network pressures and the integration of new generation sources into the national grid.
“While utility companies are often judged during periods of difficulty, it is important to acknowledge the professionalism and resilience that have enabled the institution to continue serving the nation during one of the most challenging periods in Zambia’s energy history,” Eng. Zulu stated.
Eng. Zulu also commended reforms including Open Access, Net Metering and the Integrated Resource Plan, stressing that the measures were creating opportunities for private-sector participation while supporting a more competitive and efficient electricity sector. “The progress achieved between 2024 and 2026 suggests that Zambia is laying the foundation for a stronger and more reliable electricity system,” he noted.
He expressed optimism that continued investment and effective implementation of current policies would result in increased renewable energy deployment, stronger transmission networks, improved electricity reliability and further progress towards the 10,000MW target.
Eng. Zulu also hailed the Ministry of Energy, Energy Regulation Board (ERB), ZESCO management and staff, private investors, development partners and other stakeholders for their contribution to modernizing Zambia’s electricity sector.
