ERB Approves Over ZMW 6.5 Billion in New Energy Investments Across Zambia

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved 35 licences and 15 construction permits across the petroleum, electricity, and renewable energy sub-sectors, representing a total investment of more than ZMW 6.5 billion (US$ 284 million).

The approvals, made during the Board’s Licensing Committee meeting held on 15 October 2025, demonstrate sustained investor confidence and growing interest in Zambia’s energy sector. According to the ERB, the investment growth reflects the country’s favourable regulatory environment and ongoing reforms aimed at streamlining approval processes.

The newly approved licences cover a diverse range of energy-related activities, including the manufacture and supply of renewable energy equipment, transportation and distribution of petroleum products, biofuel production, and electricity generation and distribution.

Among the key approvals are:

• 15 for the manufacture, supply, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy generating equipment.
• 9 for the road transportation of petroleum products.
• 4 for the distribution, import, and export of petroleum products.
• 1 each for wholesale and retail marketing of petroleum products.
• 1 for the production of biofuels as alternatives to charcoal.
• 1 for electricity generation and 1 for electricity supply.

In addition, two major construction permits were granted in the electricity and renewable energy sub-sectors:

• Maamba Solar Energy Limited – for a 118.4 MWp / 100 MWac Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant in Sinazongwe District, valued at approximately US$ 90 million.
• United Capital Fertilizer Zambia Company Limited – for a 50 MW Steam Turbine Generator Project to power its fertilizer production plant in Lusaka District, worth about US$ 70 million.

The ERB also approved 60 road tank vehicles to boost petroleum product transportation and authorised three new service stations to commence operations.

ERB Public Relations Manager Mrs Namukolo Kasumpa said the developments reaffirm the Board’s commitment to promoting a transparent, predictable, and efficient regulatory environment that attracts sustainable investment.

“These approvals demonstrate our dedication to ensuring energy availability, enhancing operational efficiency, and promoting access to modern energy services across the country,” she said.

The ERB reiterated that it remains focused on building investor confidence through safe and timely regulatory processes that support Zambia’s broader national energy and development goals.