Development news

Energy Minister Cuts Electricity Connection Fees to Boost National Access

Energy Minister Makozo Chikote has announced a major reduction in electricity connection fees, with subsidized charges set to drop from K4,846 to K300 effective December 22, 2025.

Speaking in Lusaka during the launch of the Accelerated Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) initiative under the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), Mr. Chikote said the 2026 application window for the subsidy aims to support at least 100,000 new household connections next year.

He directed REA and ZESCO to intensify public awareness campaigns, emphasizing government’s commitment to achieving universal electricity access by 2030.

Mr. Chikote added that the $200 million World Bank–funded ASCENT Zambia programme is expected to connect more than 1.6 million people to electricity and clean cooking solutions over the next five years.

World Bank Country Manager Dr. Achim Fock said the initiative brings together the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank, and other development partners to help sub-Saharan Africa provide electricity access to 300 million people.

Meanwhile, REA Acting Chief Executive Officer Alex Mumba praised the government for implementing policy and financing reforms that have paved the way for the programme’s rollout.

mubitasamuel0@gmail.com

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