PRESS STATEMENT
LOOK BEYOND THE POLITICS: WHY ZAMBIA NEEDS A DEDICATED MINISTRY OF ELECTRICITY
Critics of the proposed Ministry of Electricity should look past partisan considerations and focus on results. Many countries have recognised that electricity requires focused leadership and institutional priority.
Egypt has a Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy; Iraq, Kuwait, Myanmar, South Sudan, Yemen and Equatorial Guinea maintain dedicated electricity ministries; South Africa appointed a Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity in 2023; Ghana’s Ministry of Energy carries a major electricity mandate; and India’s Ministry of Power is specifically charged with developing the electricity sector.
For Zambia the need is even more urgent. The World Bank notes that mining accounts for roughly half of the country’s electricity consumption. Reliable power is indispensable if Zambia is to expand copper production, attract manufacturing investment and create jobs. When electricity fails, mines suffer, factories suffer, businesses suffer, employment suffers and the entire economy suffers.
A dedicated Ministry of Electricity, properly mandated and resourced, can drive diversified generation solar, hydro, thermal and other sources strengthen transmission and distribution, mobilise private capital and secure national energy security.
Success will be measured in clear outcomes: 24-hour electricity for households, reliable power for mines and industry, increased investment, higher production, more jobs, greater power exports and stronger GDP growth.
Zambia cannot build a modern industrial economy on an unreliable power supply. Electricity is economic infrastructure, and economic infrastructure is the foundation of jobs and growth.
Let us grow Zambia together.
Issued by
Hon. Greyford Monde