Zambia Hands Over 85 Rural Grid Projects to ZESCO, Boosting Electricity Access
The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) of Zambia has formally transferred eighty‑five (85) completed grid expansion projects to the national power utility, ZESCO Limited. The infrastructure, valued at more than K463 million (approximately US$25.9 million), was handed over during a ceremony held in Lusaka on 3 November 2024. The move underscores the government’s strategy to widen electricity coverage in rural and underserved areas while strengthening the operational capacity of ZESCO.
Official Remarks Highlight National Priorities
Representing the Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Patrick Kangwa, the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet for Administration, Dr. Oliver Kalabo, emphasized that the projects reflect a concrete commitment to improving livelihoods across the nation.
“These investments are not just about infrastructure; they are about transforming lives by stimulating economic growth, improving health and education services, and supporting productive activities in rural communities.”
– Dr. Oliver Kalabo, Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet for Administration
REA Chairman Eng. Charles Mboma noted that the newly completed works are expected to enable roughly 15,232 initial electricity connections, providing a foundation for households, schools, clinics, and small enterprises to access reliable power.
Project Scale and Financial Overview
- Number of projects: 85 grid expansion schemes
- Total value: K463 million (≈ US$25.9 million)
- Estimated initial connections: 15,232 households and facilities
- Implementing agency: Rural Electrification Authority (REA)
- Recipient utility: ZESCO Limited
According to REA’s annual performance report for 2023‑24, the authority has overseen the completion of more than 300 km of medium‑voltage lines and associated distribution transformers under the current rural electrification phase, contributing to the national target of achieving 51 % electricity access by 2030 (REA, 2024).
ZESCO’s Commitment to Sustainable Operations
ZESCO’s Director of Projects and Planning, Eng. Francis Namakanda, together with Deputy Managing Director Eng. Justin Loongo, affirmed the utility’s readiness to integrate the transferred assets into the national network.
“ZESCO is committed to integrating these assets into the national network and providing safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity services. We also urge communities to protect the infrastructure from vandalism and illegal connections.”
– Eng. Francis Namakanda, Director of Projects and Planning, ZESCO
The utility plans to conduct routine maintenance patrols, community sensitization campaigns, and employ smart‑metering technologies where feasible to reduce losses and enhance service quality (ZESCO, 2024).
Anticipated Socio‑Economic Impacts
Expanded electricity access in rural Zambia is linked to a range of developmental outcomes:
- Education: Schools gain lighting for evening study sessions and can power ICT equipment, improving learning outcomes.
- Health: Clinics can refrigerate vaccines and operate essential medical devices, strengthening primary healthcare delivery.
- Economic activity: Small‑scale agro‑processing, workshops, and retail businesses benefit from reliable power, boosting income generation.
- Gender equity: Women and girls experience reduced time spent on fuel‑wood collection, allowing greater participation in education and income‑generating activities.
Studies by the World Bank indicate that each 10 % increase in rural electrification can raise household incomes by up to 5 % and improve school attendance rates by approximately 3 % in Sub‑Saharan Africa (World Bank, 2022).
Looking Ahead: Scaling Up Rural Electrification
The handover ceremony forms part of a broader national agenda to achieve universal electricity access. The Zambian government, through the Ministry of Energy, has earmarked additional funding for the next phase of the Rural Electrification Programme, targeting an extra 200 projects by 2027 (Ministry of Energy, 2024). Continued collaboration between REA, ZESCO, local authorities, and development partners will be critical to maintaining momentum and ensuring that infrastructure remains resilient, affordable, and inclusive.
Conclusion
The transfer of 85 completed grid expansion projects from REA to ZESCO marks a tangible step toward Zambia’s vision of widespread, reliable electricity. By coupling substantial financial investment with clear operational mandates and community engagement, the initiative aims to transform rural livelihoods, support essential services, and lay the groundwork for sustained economic growth. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor progress, protect the infrastructure, and leverage the new connections for productive, inclusive development.
