ZESCO Takes Action to Address Zambia's Power Crisis

Zambia's national power utility ZESCO is implementing comprehensive measures to tackle the country's ongoing electricity challenges through strategic project development and export reductions.

ZESCO has announced plans to fast-track new energy projects while diversifying the country's energy mix to ensure long-term stability. Corporate Support Services Director Chama Nsabika emphasised during a recent media engagement in Lusaka that expanding energy sources is crucial for overcoming current supply constraints and meeting growing demand. The utility has committed to regular media sessions to maintain transparency and keep the public informed on progress.

In a significant move to prioritise domestic supply, ZESCO has drastically reduced power exports from 520 megawatts to just 106MW, with the new export levels taking effect from October 1, 2025. Senior Manager Collins Mumba explained that this reduction of approximately 400MW will help cater to local demand, representing a substantial shift in the company's export strategy since February 2024.

To bridge supply gaps, ZESCO currently imports an average of 238MW daily from neighbouring countries including Mozambique and South Africa, spending between $15-20 million monthly on power imports. This multi-pronged approach of reducing exports, increasing imports, and developing new projects demonstrates ZESCO's commitment to addressing Zambia's energy security challenges while working toward sustainable solutions for load shedding issues affecting the national economy.