Gov’t Engages Private Sector Ahead of Dar Energy Summit
Three Zambian cabinet ministers met with energy sector investors today to prepare for the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit, scheduled for January 27-28, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The high-level meeting aimed to boost Zambia’s energy sector by encouraging private sector participation and addressing financing challenges.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote highlighted Zambia’s commitment to ensuring universal energy access, emphasizing the critical role of private investors in power generation.
He noted that Zambia’s Energy Compact for the summit includes projects from both public and private sectors, which require external financing.
Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane stressed the government’s efforts to streamline investment processes, including licensing and reforms like Open Access and Net Metering. He also urged private players to collaborate with the government on energy tax incentives.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe assured investors of his ministry’s support in facilitating participation at the summit, recognizing it as a pivotal platform for attracting investment.
The private sector welcomed the government’s proactive approach, praising recent reforms and the improved licensing process. The Dar Energy Summit, initiated by the World Bank and African Development Bank, aims to connect over 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
Key stakeholders, including the Rural Electrification Authority and ZESCO, are expected to showcase Zambia’s energy potential at the summit.
