By the editor
Critics who have turned electricity shortages and load shedding into a political weapon against President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND Government may soon find themselves running out of arguments following ZESCO’s announcement that Zambia is targeting an impressive 11,630 megawatts (MW) of installed electricity generation capacity by 2030.
The announcement is significant because it exceeds Government’s original 10,000MW target under the Grow Zambia Agenda by 1,630MW and brings the country closer to energy self-sufficiency a year ahead of the 2031 deadline. 
More importantly, it provides evidence that President Hichilema’s decision to split the former Ministry of Energy and create a dedicated Ministry of Electricity is beginning to bear fruit.
For years, electricity has been one of the most politically exploited issues in Zambia, particularly following the devastating drought that severely affected hydropower generation and triggered prolonged load shedding.
Opposition politicians and their sympathisers have repeatedly used the situation to portray Government as incapable of managing the energy sector, often ignoring the climatic circumstances and the structural challenges inherited by the administration.
However, while critics have concentrated on political rhetoric, Government has been pursuing a longer-term strategy to address the country’s electricity challenges.
ZESCO Managing Director Engineer Justin Loongo announced the new generation target during a visit to the utility’s headquarters by Minister of Electricity Peter Kapala.
The projected energy mix will include 4,126MW from solar, 3,970MW from hydropower, 3,234MW from thermal sources and 200MW from wind, among other sources.
This diversification is particularly important because it will reduce Zambia’s historical dependence on hydropower, which has accounted for approximately 85 per cent of electricity generation.
Minister Kapala disclosed that hydropower’s contribution to the national energy mix had already declined to approximately 34 per cent, demonstrating the country’s changing approach to energy security.
The implication is clear: Zambia is no longer prepared to allow drought and fluctuating water levels to dictate the performance of its entire economy.
The proposed 120MW solar power project in Mufulira, involving the Mineworkers Union of Zambia through Bashi Maini Investments Limited, trading as Mukuba Energy, further demonstrates the growing importance of private sector participation. The initial phase is valued at US$120 million.
This is the kind of investment-driven approach required to achieve energy security without placing the entire financial burden on Government.
Equally encouraging is the reported financial recovery at ZESCO. According to Minister Kapala, the utility has returned to profitability following policy interventions, having previously carried debts estimated at approximately US$2 billion.
Its customer connections have also increased from 1.2 million in 2022 to 1.5 million last year, with a target of three million by 2030.
These developments demonstrate why the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Electricity was a strategic decision rather than an unnecessary administrative reshuffle, as some critics might have suggested.
By placing electricity under a specialised ministry, President Hichilema has given the sector greater institutional attention, clearer accountability and a stronger focus on long-term planning.
Of course, the announcement must translate into completed projects, dependable electricity supply and fewer disruptions. Generation must also be supported by adequate transmission and distribution infrastructure.
Nevertheless, critics cannot reasonably demand solutions to the country’s energy challenges while simultaneously dismissing every meaningful intervention aimed at addressing them.
