Government Maintains 10-Hour Power Supply as Regional Diplomacy Unlocks Energy Imports

Chief Government Spokesperson says improved electricity supply is here to stay, defends PF MPs from expulsion threats

Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has assured Zambians that the current 10-hour power supply will continue, attributing the improvement to increased power imports and diplomatic interventions by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Speaking during a Sunday interview programme, Mweetwa revealed that the improved power situation follows President Hichilema's recent visit to Zimbabwe, where he secured permission to use Zimbabwean infrastructure to evacuate additional electricity into Zambia.

"The President had to perform a trip to go and meet his brother in Zimbabwe so that they, as a sovereign country, allow us to use their infrastructure to evacuate more power which we are importing into this country, and that is what is happening today," Mweetwa explained.

He noted that ZESCO is now importing substantial amounts of electricity from Mozambique through Zimbabwean transmission lines, enabling the consistent 10-hour supply currently being experienced across the country.

Loadshedding Remains Top Concern

Acknowledging that loadshedding has caused "untold suffering" to Zambians in 2025, Mweetwa said the President and his administration empathise with citizens and are taking every necessary action to mitigate the energy deficit.

"The President is not just sitting by. He's taking every action necessary to mitigate this situation, including what people have now seen with 10 hours of power. Better things are yet to come," the Chief Government Spokesperson said.