LUSAKA, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Zambia has recorded a significant improvement in electricity supply since December, marking a turnaround from the severe power deficits caused by the 2023/2024 drought, President Hakainde Hichilema said Monday.
Speaking during a televised program, Hichilema attributed the stability to deliberate government interventions rather than luck. "I did say that the power situation would improve by December. It is not by chance," he said, emphasizing that the progress resulted from sustained policy reforms.
Zambia, which historically relies on hydropower for about 80 percent of its energy needs, faced a crippling crisis after drought critically reduced water levels in key reservoirs. At the height of the shortages, consumers endured load shedding that left them with as little as three hours of electricity per day.
However, the situation has since improved, with local media reporting that households and businesses are now experiencing more than 10 hours of electricity daily.
To achieve this, the government accelerated energy sector reforms to reduce reliance on hydropower. Hichilema highlighted key measures, including opening up electricity generation and trading to greater private sector participation and promoting diversification through increased investment in solar and coal-fired power projects.
"These measures will help ensure the country does not face power deficits in the future, with or without adequate rainfall," the president said, expressing confidence that supply will further improve in 2026 as more projects come online.
In addition to domestic reforms, Zambia has bolstered supply through imports. Hichilema noted that power imports from neighboring Zimbabwe have doubled, rising from about 200 megawatts to around 400 megawatts, providing crucial support to the national grid. ■
