Zambia Moves to Secure Energy Future with Twin Pipeline Project
The Cabinet has approved the construction of two major petroleum pipelines that promise to transform Zambia's energy infrastructure and position the country as a regional hub for refined petroleum and natural gas.
The Tanzania–Zambia Multi-Products Pipeline and the Namibia–Zambia Refined Petroleum and Natural Gas Pipeline will both be developed under Public-Private Partnership arrangements, Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa confirmed following a Cabinet meeting held at State House.
Mr Mweetwa said the twin projects will provide Zambia with alternative sources of petroleum products, strengthen the national supply chain and help stabilise fuel prices for consumers and businesses alike. With national fuel consumption projected to reach approximately 3.7 million tonnes annually by 2030, the pipelines are designed to meet rising demand while reducing the costs associated with Zambia's current reliance on road-based fuel transportation.
The decision reflects a strategic shift towards diversifying Zambia's petroleum supply routes. By establishing direct pipeline connections to both the Tanzanian coast and Namibia's emerging oil and gas sector, Zambia will significantly reduce its vulnerability to supply disruptions and the logistical bottlenecks that have historically contributed to price volatility at the pump.
The approval marks another milestone in President Hakainde Hichilema's drive to attract private investment into critical national infrastructure. The PPP model ensures that development costs are shared with the private sector while delivering long-term benefits to the Zambian economy.
As a landlocked country, Zambia's fuel supply has long been dependent on costly road transportation from coastal ports. The two pipelines will provide direct, more cost-effective supply routes, reducing logistics costs and exposure to regional supply disruptions. Alongside the country's growing mining sector and improving investment environment, reliable and competitively priced energy infrastructure is expected to support industrial growth, attract further investment and strengthen Zambia's position within the Southern African energy market.