MILUPI CALLS FOR INVESTMENTS IN ZAMBIA’S ENERGY SECTOR

By Scoop Reporter

Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi has implored the private sector to explore various investment opportunities available in Zambia’s energy sector.

Speaking at Continental Energy Investment Forum 2024 in South Africa yesterday, Mr. Milupi said the Government has made key pronouncements aimed at promoting private sector investments and that these include approval of open access, exemption of mini-grids of up to 5 megawatts from regulation and net-metering, among others.

Mr. Milupi said a licensing system was launched in June this year to streamline the licensing process for power projects.

He noted that African countries have identical geographical, social, and economic terrains and therefore experience similar challenges in meeting climate change and energy supply targets.

He has urged African countries to join hands and leverage each other’s expertise and experience to ensure the successful implementation of workable interventions now that the continent has made significant progress in terms of infrastructure development, especially with a commitment to continue improving its transportation, energy, water, and digital networks.

He was of the view that infrastructure was key to boosting economic growth, creating jobs, and reducing poverty and that with the right investments and reforms, Africa could build the modern infrastructure needed to boost trade and create jobs.

Sub-Sahara Trade Hub Director Ronnie Nyambe says Zambia’s renewable energy sector presents substantial opportunities for investment and development, particularly in hydropower, solar, and potentially wind energy, contributing to both energy security and sustainable development goals.

Meanwhile, Zambia Association of Manufacturers Chief Executive Officer Muntanga Lindunda says the Governments can promote digital skills development through education and training programs tailored to the needs of the industrial sector.

Ms. Lindunda says that initiatives like the Digital Zambia Project focus on increasing digital literacy and technical skills among the workforce and ensuring that the industrial sector benefits from a skilled labour force.

She added that encouraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) could accelerate the deployment of digital infrastructure.

“Collaborations between the Government and tech companies can lead to innovative solutions that enhance production processes and competitiveness. For instance, Zambia’s partnership with Huawei to improve ICT infrastructure demonstrates the potential for such collaborations,” Ms Lindunda said.

This is according to the statement issued by First Secretary Press and Public Relations at Zambia High Commission in South Africa, Tamara Nyirenda.