By EditorZambia
As Zambia continues to recover from one of its most challenging energy deficits in recent history, the government has quietly but steadily intensified efforts to stabilise electricity supply across the country.
While some political actors and sections of society have sought to frame load shedding as a failure of leadership, the recent improvements in daily power availability tell a different, more encouraging story. 
Through a combination of strategic imports, infrastructure development, and targeted supply management, the government is gradually restoring normalcy—bringing measurable relief to households and businesses alike.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote recently confirmed that ZESCO has increased daily power supply in several residential areas, with some locations now receiving up to 10 hours of electricity. This marks a notable rise from earlier schedules, which had, at the peak of the 2025 power crisis, fallen to as low as 3 to 5 hours per day.
The improvement, implemented “silently” as the minister explained, was intended to let citizens judge the results through lived experience rather than political rhetoric.
Responding to Crisis With Practical Action
The sharp reduction in power supply earlier in the year was triggered by multiple factors, including severely reduced water levels caused by drought—an environmental challenge affecting hydro-power-dependent countries across the region.
The situation worsened when a major generator was taken offline, creating a deficit that ZESCO could not immediately bridge through existing capacity. But rather than resigning itself to the situation, the government took decisive steps.
In the last two months, Zambia has imported additional electricity from the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and temporarily reduced exports to ensure domestic needs are prioritised.
This move alone has created space to improve daily power availability for millions of citizens.
These efforts demonstrate that the administration is not approaching the energy sector with short-term political calculus, but with a long-term perspective informed by planning, sustainability, and gradual reform.
A Phased Approach Bringing Relief to Highly Populated Areas
One of the most significant features of the improved supply pattern is the government’s phased and targeted allocation strategy.
Instead of spreading limited electricity thinly across all regions—risking minimal impact anywhere—ZESCO has prioritised highly populated townships where load shedding had been most disruptive to social and economic activities.
Areas confirmed to be benefiting from the increased hours include Mandevu, Wusakile, Kankoyo, Chibolya, Kanyama, Chawama, Chipata compound, Linda, Mtendere, Zingalume and Chipulukusu
For communities such as Mandevu, Kanyama, Chawama, and Wusakile—where small businesses, market stalls, barbershops, welders, internet cafés, salons, and eateries depend heavily on electricity—the extension to 7–10 hours has been a critical boost.
Minister Chikote noted that some areas that previously received only 2 or 3 hours per day have now jumped to 7 hours, while others with 6 hours have risen to 10 hours, representing a meaningful improvement to daily life.
Tangible Impact Where It Matters Most
The results are already visible: Micro-businesses that had been shutting down early due to lack of power are now operating longer.
Students who struggled to study or do homework in the evenings now have better lighting.
Food vendors are able to preserve perishables more reliably.
Families can cook, charge devices, and run basic household appliances without as much pressure to cram tasks into narrow windows.
These day-to-day gains may not make political headlines, but they significantly improve household stability and economic survival for ordinary Zambians.
New Generation and Transmission Projects: Building the Future, Not Just Managing the Present
Beyond short-term supply measures, the government has embarked on long-term investments intended to eliminate the cycle of load shedding altogether.
In Choma, ZESCO has broken ground on a 35-MW solar power plant, part of a nationwide push by President Hakainde Hichilema to deliver 1,000 MW of solar generation capacity.
Developed by the China Energy Engineering Group–Hunan Electric Power Design Institute, the Choma project is expected to be completed within eight months.
Once operational, it will not only feed clean energy into the grid but also reduce pressure on hydropower, which remains vulnerable to climate variability.
Simultaneously, ZESCO has launched works on the 330-kV Kafue West–Muzuma transmission line, a critical infrastructure project that will support: The upcoming 600-MW Sinazongwe coal plant
The 300-MW Maamba expansion project Future renewable energy developments. This transmission upgrade is essential for absorbing new generation sources and ensuring they reach households and industries across the country.
ZESCO board chairperson Vickson N’cube emphasised that these initiatives are possible because of a stable, predictable, and investor-friendly regulatory environment under the New Dawn government.
According to N’cube, investors are more confident than before, allowing ZESCO to accelerate long-delayed projects and negotiate financing more efficiently.
Depoliticising Load Shedding: A Challenge For All Zambians
Despite these concrete steps, discussions around load shedding often become highly politicised.
Opposition actors have sometimes portrayed the crisis as unique to Zambia or as evidence of poor governance. Yet the reality is that drought-induced power shortages have impacted several Southern African countries, from Zimbabwe to Malawi and South Africa.
The government’s approach—grounded in transparency, steady improvements, and long-term infrastructure building—shows that energy security is being treated as a national development priority, not a political football.
Minister Chikote’s decision not to issue flashy announcements but instead allow citizens to experience the improvements firsthand underscores a commitment to substance over showmanship.
Looking Ahead: Toward a More Resilient Energy Sector
While challenges remain, the direction is clear. Zambia is moving toward: More diversified energy sources, including solar, coal, and hybrid systems Improved transmission infrastructure to support future demand
Reduced reliance on hydro-power, which is increasingly affected by climate change.
A more stable supply outlook, especially for urban centres and industrial districts Short-term imports combined with medium-term construction projects and long-term structural reforms demonstrate a multi-layered strategy that prioritises the welfare of citizens.
In conclusion, the recent increase in electricity supply—quietly implemented but widely felt—is evidence of a government actively working to alleviate the impact of load shedding.
By targeting highly populated areas, importing power to fill immediate gaps, investing in solar and transmission projects, and reducing exports to protect domestic needs, the administration has shown a balanced approach that prioritises both current relief and future security.
While political debate is inevitable in any democracy, the facts on the ground point to progress, not failure. Zambia is on a path toward a more resilient and diversified energy sector—and citizens are already beginning to experience the benefits.
