Zambia cuts exports to ease shortages

• 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.

• Our take: Countries must pursue a balanced mix of solar, wind, hydro and regional imports to ensure resilience against climate variability… Read more (2 min)

Premier Energies gets $20m to power Benin

• Benin's power supply depends on importing electricity. The country's internal energy infrastructure is underdeveloped, complicating both the distribution of power and the integration of new sources.

• The government is now focusing on energy issues. Last week it joined 28 other African nations in adopting national energy compacts under the World Bank's and African Development Bank's "Mission 300" initiative.

• Our take: This is a significant investment in Benin’s renewables, but its energy woes require much bigger numbers… Read more (2 min)

Opinion: How energy access powers opportunities

• Ms Mbodji founded Kowry Energy which provides tailored renewable energy, cold chain and water solutions for SMEs and local communities.

• “Framing energy access as a universal human right is well-intentioned. But rights do not create livelihoods. If energy access is a right, who guarantees it? More importantly, what happens once the light is on but the future remains dim?” she asks.

• Read the full opinion article here… Read more (2 min)