Minister Chikote to Showcase Zambia’s Integrated Energy Strategy at AEW 2026
Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, is set to highlight the country’s integrated power and fuel investment agenda at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, scheduled to take place in Cape Town from 12 to 16 October.
The Minister is expected to present Zambia’s evolving energy strategy to investors, policymakers and development partners, as the country accelerates reforms across the entire energy value chain. These include electricity generation, renewable energy deployment, fuel supply security and downstream oil infrastructure.
A central component of the government’s strategy is the recently launched Carbon Feed-in Premium (CFIP) programme, designed to unlock up to 300 megawatts of private renewable energy investment. The initiative aims to diversify the country’s energy mix, reduce emissions and strengthen grid stability.
It also incorporates a Mitigation Outcome Purchase Agreement with Norway, expected to mobilise international climate financing and support the decarbonisation of Zambia’s power sector ahead of 2027.
In parallel, Zambia is advancing its hydrocarbons and fuel security agenda, including the construction of a 60,000 barrels-per-day crude oil refinery in Ndola. The project is intended to reduce reliance on imported refined fuels, strengthen domestic supply security and support key sectors such as mining and transport, while easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
The country has also committed to adding more than 2,610 megawatts of new electricity generation capacity by the end of 2026. This expansion is aimed at addressing persistent power shortages, reducing load shedding and supporting industrial growth, with a focus on solar, wind and hybrid energy projects to improve resilience in the face of climate variability.
Recent regulatory developments have further boosted investor confidence. In March 2026, the Energy Regulation Board approved 24 licences, seven construction permits and amendments to existing projects, representing a combined investment of ZMW 1.1 billion across power generation, renewable energy and downstream petroleum infrastructure.
Efforts to improve energy efficiency are also underway. In partnership with the European Union, the Ministry of Energy has launched the Zambia Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Transformation programme, which includes LED retrofits and infrastructure upgrades in schools and hospitals in Eastern Province to reduce energy consumption and enhance reliability.
At the regional level, Zambia is strengthening cooperation with Tanzania in oil and gas development, exploring joint exploration opportunities, cross-border energy trade and shared infrastructure to enhance energy security and regional integration.
Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk, described Zambia’s approach as a practical and investment-ready model for the continent.
“Zambia is taking a smart, integrated approach to energy, balancing power, renewables, and oil and fuel security. This is exactly the kind of strategy Africa needs to unlock investment and deliver projects across the energy value chain,” he said.
