ERB Approves Licences and Projects Worth ZMW 4.8B to Boost Zambia’s Energy Sector
The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved 21 energy licences and 9 construction permits with a combined investment value of ZMW 4.8 billion (approximately US$206 million), signalling growing investor confidence in Zambia’s energy landscape.
The approvals, made during the ERB’s July Licensing Committee meeting, span across petroleum, electricity, and renewable energy sub-sectors. The move reflects ERB’s continued efforts to streamline application reviews and strengthen Zambia’s regulatory environment to support sustainable energy growth.
Among the licences granted are:
- 9 for the manufacture, supply, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy equipment
- 4 for road transportation of petroleum products
- 3 for the distribution, import, and export of petroleum products
- 2 for electricity generation and trading
- 1 each for biofuel production, lubricant importation and marketing, and petroleum wholesale
“These licences are crucial to improving energy availability, advancing private sector participation, and promoting innovation,” ERB said in a statement.
In terms of infrastructure, 9 construction permits were issued, including:
- Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc (CEC): Projects include 220 kV and 66 kV transmission lines in Ndola and the establishment of new substations.
- ZESCO Limited: Granted approval for the construction of a 50 MW grid-scale solar PV power plant.
- Shibuyunji Solar Ltd and Innovent Garneton North Solar Ltd: Cleared to construct 50 MW and 20 MW solar PV power plants, respectively.
- Lubambe Copper Mine Ltd: Approved for a 7.2 MW diesel generator project.
Additional approvals include 89 road tank vehicles to bolster petroleum transport, 5 LPG retail kiosks, and 4 new service stations cleared to start operations.
ERB’s Manager for Public Relations, Mrs. Ndmukolo Kasumpa, said the approvals demonstrate the regulator’s commitment to transparency, investor support, and the development of an inclusive energy mix aligned with Zambia’s national policies.
“The ERB remains committed to regulating the sector with emphasis on stakeholder engagement and sustainable growth,” she added.
