GOVT CALLS ON PRIVATE SECTOR TO INVEST IN ENERGY

By Sharon Kunda- Energy Minister Matthew Nkhuwa has called on investors to take advantage of the country’s power deficit to invest in the energy sector.

Mr. Nkhuwa says Zambia is among the lowest in the sub-Saharan Africa in terms of access to electricity services.

The Energy Minister says the low rate of access to electricity services coupled with demand for electricity projected at about 150 to 200 megawatts per annum presents a huge task to Government.

He says it is also a great opportunity for the private Sector to exploit the business opportunities available in the energy sector.

Mr. Nkhuwa said this during the official opening of a two-day conference on renewable energy in Zambia organised by the French-Zambia Chamber of Commerce.

And outgoing French Ambassador to Zambia Sylvain Berger said the French Government is interested in assisting the country to address its energy challenges as France has several companies that can provide alternative sources of energy solutions.

Meanwhile, European Union Ambassador to Zambia Jacek Jankowski said finding solutions to energy challenges is key in addressing inequalities in the country.

Mr. Jankowski said despite the huge solar energy potential in the country, penetration remains low due to factors such as non-cost reflective tariffs and non- attractive incentives to invest in the sector.

And Zambian Ambassador to France, Christine Kaseba-Sata said French business companies are responding to Government’s call to invest in the energy sector in Zambia.

Meanwhile, French-Zambia Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alexandre Degre said there is urgent need to shift from other sources of energy to renewable.

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