Power Supply & Access (2024/2025)
Current Power Deficit (Q2 2024)
~750 MW
Available generation (~1,650MW) vs. Peak Demand (~2,400MW) due to drought.
Hydro Share of Installed Capacity
~82%
Vulnerability: High dependence on rainfall makes the grid susceptible to climate change.
National Electricity Access Rate (2023)
~43%
Urban access at ~67%; Rural access lags severely at ~14.5% (ZESCO/ERB).
Installed Generation Capacity (2024 Total: 3,871 MW)
Electricity Consumption by Sector
Key Infrastructure & Investment Insights
Investment Opportunities & Solutions
Opportunity: Solar & Storage
Zambia receives **~3,000 hours of sunshine/year**. The **GET FiT Programme** and **REFiT Strategy** provide guaranteed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) pricing for new **Solar PV** and **Storage** projects (up to 20MW per project), presenting a low-risk entry point for private investors.
Infrastructure Corridors
- **TAZARA Railway:** China-backed $1.4 Billion investment to revitalize the rail line for copper exports, potentially tripling freight capacity. **(Status: Rehabilitation beginning - Sep 2025)**.
- **Batoka Gorge:** Massive 2,400 MW Hydro Project (shared with Zimbabwe) is in the long-term pipeline, representing large-scale regional potential (Investment requirement: ~$5 billion+).
Policy Recommendations & Development Goals
- **Tariff Reform:** Multi-year tariff increases (e.g., 15% in 2025) are crucial to make ZESCO solvent and attract private capital by reducing the **single-buyer risk**.
- **Off-Grid Focus:** **Rural Electrification** remains critical for poverty reduction (currently <15% access). Investment is needed in solar mini-grids and decentralized solutions to meet the **Vision 2030** access targets.
- **Demand-Side Management:** Encourage **Energy Efficiency** (especially in the mining sector) to manage demand growth (which averages 3% annually) and minimize the current deficit.