EU Grants €500 Million to Support Zambian Energy Infrastructure

The European Union has announced a funding package of 500 million euros to support the construction and maintenance of Zambian energy infrastructure. This is part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to foster global connectivity, enable inclusive growth, and facilitate multilateral cooperation to address the threats of climate change.

This announcement coincided with the 50th anniversary of the inception of EU-Zambia diplomatic relations. An event was held last Friday to commemorate this, in which the EU’s ambassador to Zambia, Karolina Stasiak, said that the EU hopes to follow on from its technical support in constructing the TAZAMA pipeline by facilitating a much-needed repair and expansion of the Kariba Dam, Zambia’s most important source of power.

This support is most welcome as Zambia looks to diversify its energy sector after an overreliance on hydroelectric power was brutally exposed during last year’s drought. The EU’s assistance is in line with the UPND government’s ambitions to bolster the infrastructure needed for alternative sources of power such a solar. Doing so will not only expand access to reliable electricity, but also make Zambia more resilient to the kinds of shocks that will become more frequent due to climate change.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security summarised the EU’s plans for the grant: “the EU will boost the country’s sustainable energy future through the rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam with the recent investment being in the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector, which will enhance regional power trade. The EU is also devoted to support the buildup of the Lobito Corridor”.

The ministry thanked the EU for its support and commended Zambia’s “mutually beneficial relationship” with the EU. The ministry reiterated that the government cooperates with the EU to further their shared goals of trade expansion, industrial growth, and job creation.