Zambia’s power utility, ZESCO, has announced plans to reduce electricity exports to 106 megawatts by October 1, 2025, as it spends up to $25 million monthly on imports to ease power shortages.
The move is aimed at prioritizing local consumption and reducing the severity of load-shedding for domestic supply.
ZESCO Senior Manager for Power Trading and Management, Collins Mumba, explained that the cut was necessary to cushion citizens from further blackouts.
He noted that without imports from regional sources, Zambia’s energy deficit would be much worse.
Mumba said the costs are draining Zambia’s foreign reserves as the economy faces inflation and lower hydro output from low water levels.
Boosting electricity access
In a separate development, ZESCO signed a $300 million agreement with Anzana Electric Group to expand and rehabilitate the country’s electricity network.
The project is expected to connect at least 2 million Zambians to the national grid for the first time, addressing chronic access gaps.
ZESCO Managing Director, Justin Loongo, said the investment would strengthen infrastructure, improve reliability, and promote regional power integration.
“We are excited to partner with Anzana, who is employing an innovative and inclusive approach to attract capital and rapidly increase electrification rates in rural Zambia,” Loongo said in a statement.
Meanwhile, with a population of more than 21 million, Zambia still suffers from relatively low electricity access, particularly in rural areas.
According to Loongo, the capital will boost rural electrification ease infrastructure bottlenecks that have limited power distribution in recent years.
Push for renewable investment
To address long-term challenges, the Zambian government is also inviting both local and international investors into utility-scale solar projects
The administration argues that diversifying generation sources is critical to achieving energy security and building resilience against climate-induced shocks.
This approach marks a strategic shift for a country that has long depended on a centralized grid powered largely by hydroelectric stations.
The move could reduce reliance on costly imports, boost foreign reserves, and make Zambia more competitive in the regional energy market.
