Mposha Urges ZEMA to Fast-Track Solar Approvals Amid Energy Crisis

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha has called on the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) to accelerate approvals for solar energy projects, as the country grapples with a worsening power crisis.

Speaking to ZNBC News, Mr. Mposha stressed that speeding up solar project approvals is critical to achieving President Hakainde Hichilema’s target of adding 1,000 megawatts of non-hydro power to the national grid by year’s end.

“This is a necessary step if we are to diversify our energy mix and enhance energy security amid the current crisis,” Mr. Mposha said.

While he acknowledged ZEMA’s diligence in scrutinising Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Mposha urged the agency to operate with greater urgency and efficiency to ensure projects are approved without delay.

He further emphasised that increasing up solar capacity is crucial not only to alleviating the current power shortages but also to strengthening climate resilience and ensuring long-term energy sustainability.