28th January 2026
Zambia is undertaking a comprehensive reform of its power sector aimed at addressing domestic electricity shortages while positioning the country as a strategic power hub in Southern Africa. This approach combines large-scale generation expansion, diversification of energy sources, grid modernization, and deeper regional power integration.
A central element of this strategy is the revival of the Batoka Gorge Hydroelectric Project on the Zambezi River, developed jointly with Zimbabwe through the Zambezi River Authority. The two countries have committed $440 million to restart preparatory works for the $4.2 billion project, which is expected to deliver 2,400 MW of baseload capacity upon completion. The project is viewed as a cornerstone of long-term regional energy security.
The renewed focus on Batoka Gorge reflects Zambia’s response to rising electricity demand and increased exposure to climate-related hydropower risks. With hydropower accounting for roughly 80% of installed capacity, prolonged droughts have highlighted vulnerabilities in the existing energy mix. In response, Zambia is pursuing diversification through renewables, particularly solar, alongside efforts to expand access and meet a national target of 10,000 MW of installed capacity by 2030.
Recent solar developments, including the Mailo Solar Plant and the Chisamba Solar Power Plant, demonstrate tangible progress in this transition. These projects are helping to stabilize supply, support industrial demand, and reduce pressure on hydropower resources.
At the same time, Zambia is addressing longstanding transmission constraints by investing in grid reinforcement projects led by ZESCO. Parallel to domestic upgrades, the country is advancing regional interconnection initiatives, notably the Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector, which will link Southern and Eastern African power markets and enable greater electricity trade.
Overall, Zambia’s multi-pronged power sector strategy represents a decisive shift toward resilience, diversification, and regional leadership in electricity supply.