LUSAKA, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Zambia and Mozambique strengthened their collaboration to address Zambia's electricity deficit by signing an agreement for additional power imports on Thursday.
The agreement, signed by Zambia's power utility, Zesco Limited, and Mozambique's state-owned energy firm, Mocambique Electricity (EDM), will enable Zambia to import an additional 40 megawatts of power, supplementing the existing 50 megawatts from a previous agreement. This brings the total importation to 90 megawatts, effective until June 30, 2025.
Victor Mapani, managing director of Zesco, hailed the amended agreement as a testament to the robust partnership between the two utilities and their shared commitment to stabilizing and growing Zambia's economy.
"By security an additional power supply, we are taking significant steps toward mitigating the current power challenges and ensuring that our nation's critical sectors remain operational and productive," he said in a statement released after a signing ceremony held in Lusaka, the Zambian capital.
The power supply amendment is a key component of Zesco's comprehensive approach to managing the current electricity situation, Mapani said, adding that the two utilities are engaged in further discussions regarding the possibility of additional power supply to alleviate the power deficit challenges Zambia is facing.
Zambia is grappling with a power deficit of 430 megawatts, which is expected to reach 520 megawatts by December this year due to drought conditions. ■
