Government targeting the production of 10 gigawatts of electricity
Government has announced that it is targeting the production of 10 gigawatts of electricity to meet rising national demand and strengthen Zambia’s energy security. The ambition was confirmed during a ministerial update in Parliament, where Energy Minister Peter Kapala said the target is part of long-term planning intended to expand generation capacity across multiple provinces.
Mr Kapala told lawmakers that Zambia’s current installed capacity is insufficient to meet present and projected consumption patterns, particularly during dry periods when hydropower stations underperform. He said government intends to diversify energy production by supporting investment in solar, wind, hydro and geothermal resources. He noted that early-stage assessments show that Zambia has suitable landscapes for broader renewable energy development.
The minister stated that several generation projects were already underway, contributing to the mid-term goal. He said feasibility studies had been completed for solar farms, while private-sector partners had expressed interest in co-investing in large-scale generation facilities. He said the ministry was focused on stabilising the national grid and increasing resilience to climate fluctuations.
Mr Kapala added that reforms in the electricity sector were aimed at clearing bottlenecks that previously slowed independent power producer participation. He said tariff adjustments and policy alignment had helped improve investor confidence, positioning Zambia for increased energy generation in the coming decade. He said the ministry expects new projects to contribute significantly to the 10-gigawatt target once agreements are finalised.
He informed Parliament that the government was prioritising the expansion of transmission infrastructure to support the increased generation capacity. He said poor transmission networks have previously limited Zambia’s ability to move power from generation points to areas with high demand. Upgrading and extending the grid, he said, is essential to ensure that all new power contributes reliably to national supply.
During follow-up questions, MPs expressed concerns about load management and whether the new capacity would reduce the recurrence of electricity shortages. Mr Kapala said the programme was designed specifically to eliminate vulnerability caused by drought patterns and inadequate generation. He said achieving the 10-gigawatt target would place Zambia among countries with secure and sufficient power for domestic use and exports.
He said the ministry had engaged technocrats to ensure that all regulatory requirements were met and that new investments would be integrated into long-term national planning. He emphasised that cooperation with private energy developers remains crucial, as government alone cannot meet the capital demands required for expanded generation.
Mr Kapala also highlighted Zambia’s potential to become a regional supplier of electricity. He said neighbouring countries have expressed interest in long-term power purchase agreements once Zambia’s capacity increases. He said the ministry is preparing frameworks to ensure that domestic needs are prioritised even as export opportunities expand.
The minister said the programme would be implemented in stages, with periodic reviews to adjust timelines, account for financial constraints and incorporate emerging technologies. He noted that the 10-gigawatt target was achievable if current investment interest continues and if ongoing policy reforms remain consistent.
He told Parliament that government is committed to protecting consumers by ensuring that tariffs remain fair while still encouraging investment. He said the long-term aim is to create a balanced environment where new power generation benefits citizens, industry and the overall economy.
Mr Kapala concluded by stating that government views energy as a foundation for economic growth and intends to continue expanding Zambia’s capacity through transparent partnerships and well-planned infrastructure improvements. He said the ministry would provide periodic updates to Parliament as the projects progress.
