Zambia Accelerates Electric Vehicle Revolution with Inaugural CEO Forum
The Government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, has launched the inaugural Chief Executives’ Forum under the EV Ambassador Zambia initiative, a landmark step in positioning the country as a regional climate investment hub anchored in clean technology, renewable energy, and sustainable finance.
Speaking under the theme “Driving Zambia Forward, the Green Way,” Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike Elton Mposha, MP, said the Electric Vehicle (EV) revolution represents more than transport innovation, it marks a new economic narrative that integrates industrial competitiveness, climate ambition, and inclusive growth.
He highlighted the Government’s deliberate measures to attract green investment under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, including tax incentives for EVs, licensing standards for infrastructure readiness through the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), and the creation of an EV manufacturing zone in the Copperbelt Province.
Mposha noted that Zambia’s vast reserves of copper, cobalt, manganese, and nickel place the nation at the centre of Africa’s emerging EV mineral economy. He urged financiers, insurers, and development partners to collaborate in developing a sustainable and bankable EV ecosystem.
“This launch signals Zambia’s vision to become Africa’s green investment frontier — where innovation, policy, and partnerships converge to drive prosperity and sustainability the green way,” he said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Dr. Douty Chibamba, hailed the unveiling of the Ministry’s first electric vehicle as a major milestone in implementing Zambia’s Green Economy Agenda through innovation and leadership.
He explained that the EV can travel from Lusaka to Kitwe on a single charge costing around K200, compared to approximately K1,500 in fuel, translating into a saving of K1,800 per trip.
The Ministry has also installed a Solar Charging Station to power the vehicle entirely from renewable energy, reducing grid pressure and demonstrating Zambia’s potential to harness solar and hydro resources effectively.
Dr. Chibamba added that Zambia’s e-mobility transition is guided by clear standards, policy coordination, and investment opportunities that make the country a regional model for sustainable and inclusive green growth.
“This launch signifies our shift from aspiration to implementation, reaffirming President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in national development,” he said.
Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Patrick Kangwa, emphasised that policy delivery must now take precedence over policy design, calling for unified institutional action to accelerate EV investment, renewable energy development, and industrial innovation.
“Zambia will not stand on the sidelines as the world transitions to zero emissions. We must forge bold partnerships and take measurable action to drive Zambia forward — the green and united way,” he declared.
Other senior officials in attendance included Permanent Secretary for Industrialisation and Investment in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Mr. Crusivia Hichikumba; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Mr. Fredrick Mwalusaka; representatives from the Bank of Zambia; and the UNDP Country Representative.
