Munshifwa Urges ERB to Lead with Fair, Firm Oversight
Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary for Energy, Professor Ephraim Kabunda Munshifwa, has urged the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to maintain a regulatory approach that is both fair and firm as it oversees Zambia’s energy sector.
Speaking during his familiarisation visit to the ERB on Monday, Prof. Munshifwa stressed the importance of strong collaboration between the Ministry and the regulator to tackle persistent challenges in the industry.
He said the ERB’s experienced professionals must ensure their expertise translates into “practical solutions for the nation.”
“We are the big heads in the energy sector. Our role is to solve problems, not create them,” he said, calling on the ERB to continue upholding high standards of regulatory excellence.
Prof. Munshifwa also emphasised the need to strengthen information management across the energy industry. He highlighted gaps in data collection and statistics, urging the adoption of ICT-driven systems to support evidence-based decision-making, transparency and efficiency.
ERB Director General, Eng. Elijah Sichone, who led the regulator’s management team, outlined the Board’s mandate, which includes licensing, pricing oversight, monitoring energy efficiency, managing consumer complaints and ensuring fair competition.
He noted that the ERB is the second oldest energy regulator in the region and continues to strive for excellence.
Eng. Sichone said recent sector reforms, such as Electricity Open Access and Petroleum Open Access, have created new avenues for market participation.
He also cited key achievements, including the cost-of-service study, the multi-year tariff framework, the rollout of net-metering, a single licensing framework, regulatory provisions for biofuels and fuel marketing tribunal rules.
However, he highlighted ongoing challenges such as limited funding, lengthy legislative processes, balancing pro-poor tariffs with cost reflectivity, limited interconnector infrastructure, exchange rate volatility and complexities in fuel pricing.
Concluding his remarks, Prof. Munshifwa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting ERB through policy reforms and interventions aimed at strengthening the regulator’s operating environment.
He encouraged ERB to remain resolute in ensuring a fair and competitive energy market for all stakeholders.
