Zambia calls for regional action to address energy shortage

Speaking at the 30th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts for Southern Africa, held in Livingston, Zambia this week, the country’s Energy Secretary, Peter Mumba, called for urgent action to resolve the energy deficit facing the region. With nearly half of Southern Africa’s population lacking access to electricity, Mumba stressed the importance of regional collaboration to tackle the energy crisis and climate change, while addressing the challenges of inadequate infrastructure.

In his opening address, Mumba expressed pride in hosting the session in Livingston, the tourist capital of Zambia, and thanked delegates for their participation. He acknowledged the leadership of the previous Committee Bureau and underscored the importance of the current session’s theme: Addressing the Energy Deficit in Southern Africa Through Investments in New and Renewable Energy Technologies.

Mumba also stated that energy poverty remains a significant barrier to development across the region. With approximately 600 million people on the African continent lacking electricity, Mumba emphasised the urgency of finding solutions to reduce reliance on harmful biomass fuels like firewood and charcoal, which are commonly used for cooking and heating, particularly in rural areas.

The Energy Secretary also pointed out that Southern Africa’s dependence on hydropower has been severely impacted by climate change-induced droughts, particularly in countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe, which have historically relied on this renewable source. He called for a diversified energy mix, including solar, wind, biogas, and geothermal, to reduce vulnerability to climate-related shocks and ensure a sustainable energy future.

Further, Mumba noted that despite the declining costs of renewable technologies and the region’s abundance of critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, and lithium, the transition to sustainable energy has been slow due to the lack of cohesive policies and regulatory frameworks. He called for the development of long-term policies that would attract private investment and foster energy infrastructure development, emphasizing that improved energy transmission infrastructure is critical.

The session also delved into the economic challenges exacerbated by the energy crisis. Mumba pointed to the region’s lower-than-expected economic growth forecast for 2024, with power shortages and ongoing geopolitical tensions adding pressure. While he expressed cautious optimism for a better rainfall season in 2024-2025, he acknowledged that uncertainties remain.

Mumba concluded by urging experts and delegates to collaborate on finding innovative solutions that can help the region overcome its energy challenges, reduce energy poverty, and accelerate sustainable industrialization. His remarks set the stage for discussions on how to invest in renewable energy and strengthen the region’s energy infrastructure, with the ultimate goal of securing a more resilient and prosperous future for Southern Africa.