The Opportunity
A nation's potential should never be limited by a lack of power. The tragedy of Zambia's energy crisis is a call to action, a clear and urgent opportunity to build a brighter, more resilient future, one solar panel at a time.
The Perfect Storm
Zambia is facing its most severe energy crisis in a generation, creating an urgent and unprecedented opportunity for private investment in renewable energy. A combination of a massive, verifiable power deficit, a supportive and decisive government, and a clear national mandate for economic growth has created a secure, low-risk, and highly compelling environment for Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
A Worsening National Energy Crisis
The energy situation in Zambia has moved beyond a challenge and has been officially declared a National Disaster and Emergency by the President of the Republic of Zambia. The country’s 85% dependence on hydropower has become its greatest vulnerability amidst a historic drought.
17
Hour Daily Load Shedding
600
Over National Power Deficit
21
Approx. Kariba Dam Usable Water
Powering Zambia's Economic Engine
The energy crisis is a direct threat to Zambia’s primary economic engine: copper mining. The government has set an ambitious national target to increase annual copper production from 830,000 to 3 million metric tonnes. This goal is unattainable without a massive and immediate increase in reliable power supply. Private energy projects are therefore not just a solution to a social problem, but an essential component of the nation’s core economic strategy, creating a secure, long-term demand for the power we will generate.
A Clear Government Mandate for Private Investment
In response to the crisis, the Zambian Government and the Cabinet have acted decisively to create a highly favorable and stable environment for private investment in the energy sector.
- “Open Access” Policy Approved: The Cabinet has officially approved an “Open Access” to the electricity Transmission and Distribution Lines. This landmark policy allows IPPs like Zubalight to sell power directly to large consumers (like mines) or to ZESCO, fostering competition and ensuring non-discriminatory access to the grid. The policy was officially launched on February 14th, 2025, and implementation began in April 2025.
- Net-Metering Regulations in Effect: The government has promulgated Statutory Instruments to introduce Net-Metering and Distribution Grid Code Regulations, further encouraging private investment in renewable energy and promoting self-reliance among consumers.
- Urgent Call for IPPs: Both ZESCO and the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) have issued official Expressions of Interest, actively calling for credible private companies to develop solar projects across the country, demonstrating a clear and immediate demand for competent partners like Zubalight.
together we can⚬
together we can⚬
together we can⚬
together we can⚬
together we can⚬
make a difference⚬
make a difference⚬
make a difference⚬
make a difference⚬
make a difference⚬
“With a heavy heart, we address you as our beloved country faces a severe drought… This drought has devastating consequences on many critical sectors such as agriculture, water availability, and energy supply, risking our national food security and livelihoods of millions of our people.”
– Mr. Hakainde Hichilema,
President of the Republic of Zambia
(From the Official Declaration of Drought as a National Disaster and Emergency, 29th February 2024)