This afternoon, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote presented a K2.5 billion policy statement to the Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Water, chaired by Nkana MP Binwell Mpundu, outlining achievements from 2025 and priorities for 2026.
In 2025, the Ministry commissioned 125MW of new solar power, while the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) completed 47 electrification projects, providing electricity connections to over 14,000 households. The Ministry also fully implemented fuel pipeline reforms and open access, enabling 263 prosumers to feed 11MW into the national grid. Progress was made on nuclear, wind, coal, and geothermal initiatives, and the Energy Regulation Board collected K1 billion in non-tax revenue.
Looking ahead to 2026, Minister Chikote highlighted plans to advance the Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector, develop 1,500MW of utility-scale solar alongside 300MW of coal projects, and roll out 100 on-grid and 30 off-grid electrification projects through the REA. The Ministry also intends to expand rooftop solar installations, enforce uniform fuel pricing, and strengthen public-private partnership pipelines, while promoting energy efficiency and clean cooking technologies.
Minister Chikote appealed for the Committee’s support, emphasizing the government’s commitment to universal access to electricity and the development of a resilient, low-cost energy mix for the nation.