Over 3 million to benefit from Power Africa project

Government has launched the first funding of the four year, Power Africa: Beyond the Grid Fund for Zambia implementation project targeting a total of 503,645 connections or energy service subscriptions which equates to over 3 million beneficiaries.

The Power Africa, Beyond the Grid Fund for Zambia is an ambitious undertaking to bring clean energy access to one million Zambians and accelerate private sector growth in energy generation and distribution in the country.

Speaking during the launch, Minister in the Office of the Vice President Sylvia Chalikosa says the first funding round will be implemented up to 2021, and has attracted 39 bidders, both local and international and saw five successful bidders with a total of US$15.8 million in commitments to support establishment and market entry.

Ms. Chalikosa says government will ensure that coverage and access to electricity is extended to all parts of Zambia by the year 2030.

Ms. Chalikosa says the fund will also help create an environment conducive for private sector participation in the rural electrification sector in Zambia by buying down the risks and lowering the barriers to entry for new market participants and innovative business models.

Speaking at the same event, Sweden Ambassador to Zambia Henrick Cederin says Beyond the Grid Fund for Zambia, will seek to bring access to energy to 1 million people and improve the power generation and distribution industries.

Mr. Cederin says the maximum funding level of 20 million Euros will be equally distributed meant to reduce the energy gap that is currently constraining Zambia’s economic growth and human development.

And United Sates Ambassador to Zambia Eric Schultz says private sector investment is key to achieving beyond the grid solutions on a broad scale throughout the country.

Mr. Schultz says only then, will Zambia reach its goal of Universal power access by 2030.