President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his government’s openness to using coal as part of Zambia’s energy mix, stating that the country will not shy away from utilising its abundant coal resources to address the persistent power deficit.
Speaking when Dangote Group Chief Executive Officer and President, Aliko Dangote, paid a courtesy call at State House yesterday, President Hichilema said the ongoing electricity shortage has constrained Zambia’s economic growth, preventing the country from achieving its projected seven percent growth rate.
“We cannot allow the power deficit to continue hindering our economic progress. Zambia is endowed with abundant coal, and we must use it responsibly to generate the power our people and industries desperately need,” President Hichilema said.
Mr. Dangote echoed the President’s sentiments, assuring him of the Dangote Group’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s economic development by investing in energy generation. He noted that countries such as Germany and South Africa continue to use coal as part of their energy mix, adding that Zambia should take advantage of its natural endowments.
“We stand ready to work with the government to help resolve the power challenges. Zambia has what it takes to meet its electricity needs, and we are prepared to play a part,” Mr. Dangote stated.
Earlier in the day, President Hichilema urged a visiting European business delegation to seize emerging opportunities in Zambia’s rapidly reforming energy sector.
Addressing the delegation during a courtesy call at State House, the President highlighted that his administration has undertaken significant reforms that have opened new avenues for investment, particularly in power generation and transmission.
“We have created an environment that is more conducive for investment than ever before. The energy sector, which was previously constrained, is now open for participation, and we welcome partners who can help us meet our energy needs,” President Hichilema said.
He assured the investors that the government is also prioritising measures to reduce the cost of doing business to make Zambia a more competitive investment destination.
Head of delegation Jan Traeckner expressed readiness to invest, emphasising Europe’s interest in helping Zambia resolve its power shortage to unlock broader economic growth.
“We believe Zambia has significant potential, and we are committed to collaborating with your government to address the power deficit,” Mr. Traeckner said.
Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, noted that the European delegation has shown keen interest in coal-based energy generation, taking advantage of Zambia’s readily available coal deposits.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany, Winnie Chibesakunda, added that the delegation is determined to return to Zambia to pursue concrete investment opportunities.
I hope its not the usual blah blah blah blah blah and campaign strategy….i hope its a genuine move not just blowing hot air
Instead of always running to the Chinese and the West for help its about time we start looking for solutions within Africa….not posing for photos with the so called king Charles and thinking its a greatest accomplishment
As a businessman yes on this one am 100% with the idea but i sincerely hope its not just smoke screen and mirror
So the 4 past years must just be swept under the carpet
hasnt this been the same senario going decades back
When will enough be enough ?
Why oh why is Zambia turning to climate harming fuel for its energy needs. Just because other countries are using it does not mean its the right thing to do. How can you expect countries that caused climate change to pay for it and you now doing exactly what they guilty of. No lessons learnt
But again how come his own country Nigeria has no electricity????? Why can’t he invest in Energy in his own country first…There’s no loadsheding in Nigeria….There’s NO electricity at all
But again how come his own country Nigeria has no electricity????? Why can’t he invest in Energy in his own country first…There’s no loadsheding in Nigeria….There’s NO electricity at all
Dangote is a businessman, he sees an opportunity where…………
There is coal fuel in abundance and a hudge hungry market for electricity…………..
What more would a business man look
for ?????
FWD2041
Here is a chance for Zambians to invest………..
There is abundant coal fuel and an almost inexhaustible appetite for power……….
Then when foreigners come in ati
“ Zambians are over looked
fonyo fonyo……….”
FWD2041
@Spaka
I asked a Zambian to do some simple cabinets for my kitchen and he said can do it and he asked for a down payment…i paid him and after that it was stories after stories….then i contracted a Zimbabwean Carpenter….boom job done in 2 days and very neat Carpentry