Lavushimanda Lights Up as ZEMA Approves Electrification and $700M in New Projects
The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has approved a landmark portfolio of 112 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, paving the way for developmental projects valued at over $700 million USD. Among the most significant approvals is the electrification of Lavushimanda District, aimed at transforming social services and stimulating local economic growth.
The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) will spearhead the Lavushimanda electrification project, with a total investment of over $649,000 USD. Beneficiaries include the Central Business District, Kapengwe Primary School, Salamo Primary and Day Secondary Schools, Salamo Rural Health Centre, and surrounding communities.
“This project is a game-changer for Lavushimanda. It brings light, power, and hope to a region with untapped potential,” said Mrs. Ruth Kanyanga Kamwi, Corporate Affairs Manager at ZEMA.
Under infrastructure development, ZEMA has also approved the expansion of the Chirundu One Stop Border Post by Borders Consortium Limited, valued at over $27 million USD. This binational initiative, covering both Zambian and Zimbabwean territory, aims to reduce delays, enhance border security, and boost regional trade efficiency.
The approvals, made during the 34th Environmental Assessment Committee Meeting held on July 31, 2025, reflect ZEMA’s commitment to sustainable development across sectors.
The distribution of approved projects includes 65 in Mining and Mineral Processing, 18 in Energy, 14 in Manufacturing and Processing, 10 in Infrastructure Development, and 5 in Agriculture, Forestry, and Tourism.
“These approvals are not just about greenlighting investments, they represent ZEMA’s role in ensuring that economic growth aligns with environmental responsibility,” added Mrs. Kamwi.
ZEMA’s role in reviewing and approving EIA reports is central to Zambia’s development framework. The Agency ensures that projects meet environmental protection standards while unlocking opportunities for employment, infrastructure, and social services across rural and urban Zambia.
