President Hichilema Champions Renewable Energy to Solve Zambia’s Power Crisis

President Hichilema has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to overcoming its persistent electricity challenges, largely caused by an overreliance on hydropower. With hydropower accounting for 85% of the country’s electricity supply, prolonged droughts have significantly disrupted hydroelectric generation, leading to water shortages and widespread power outages. These disruptions have hampered daily life and severely impacted Zambia’s agricultural and industrial sectors.

Hichilema outlined the government’s strategy to diversify Zambia’s energy mix by investing in solar power. He highlighted that while the drought poses immediate challenges, it also presents an opportunity to shift focus towards more sustainable and reliable energy sources.

Speaking at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport before departing for the 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Hichilema emphasised the importance of a unified approach to energy development across the continent. He described the summit as a crucial step in advancing electricity generation for 300 million Africans, including Zambians, and in promoting regional collaboration.

Hichilema stated that the continent needs a master plan to help boost investment in electricity production. He linked this initiative to Zambia’s broader goals of increasing food security and mitigating the impact of disease.

At the summit, Hichilema is expected to hold bilateral meetings with other leaders to discuss regional and global challenges of mutual interest, strengthening partnerships that could drive sustainable energy solutions and economic growth for Zambia and the wider African region.