Zambia cuts power exports to ease domestic shortages

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Zambia’s power utility, ZESCO, is slashing electricity exports fivefold to reduce load-shedding and shield customers from shortages caused by low hydro output. Beginning in October, the country will export only 106 MW. At the same time, Zambia is fast-tracking new generation, with 25 solar projects totalling 600 MW recently approved for construction.

• The country imports electricity from neighbouring countries, including South Africa, Mozambique and Malawi, spending about $25 million per month. In the first half of 2024, the volume of imports nearly doubled.

• Earlier this year, the government announced plans to add 1,000 MW of solar. Fewer than 300 MW are installed so far, but policy reforms have cut project approvals to two days, with over 1,000 MW already cleared for construction.

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