Zambia's Energy Sector Attracts ZMW 3.74 Billion in New Investment as ERB Approves 42 Licences

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved 42 licences and construction permits representing a total investment pledge of ZMW 3.74 billion (US$189 million), signalling sustained investor confidence in Zambia's energy sector.

The approvals, granted following a meeting of the ERB Licensing Committee on 15th January 2026, span both renewable energy and downstream petroleum subsectors, reflecting broad-based growth across the energy value chain.

In the petroleum sector, the ERB authorised the construction of three new retail service stations and approved the commissioning of four additional stations for operational use. The Board also licensed 205 petroleum transportation fuel tankers, a move expected to strengthen the national supply chain and enhance distribution capacity across the country.

The renewable energy subsector received 12 licences covering the importation, supply, maintenance, and installation of clean energy equipment and technologies. These approvals are expected to support the expansion of energy access, particularly through decentralised solutions aligned with national energy policy objectives.

All licences and permits were issued in accordance with the Energy Regulation Act No. 12 of 2019, underscoring the effectiveness of the regulatory framework in facilitating compliant and sustainable energy investments.

The scale of private sector participation reflected in the latest approvals reinforces the importance of Zambia's predictable and transparent regulatory environment in attracting investment into energy infrastructure development. The ERB said the approvals contribute directly to improved energy security and accessibility of both petroleum products and clean energy solutions nationwide.