Zambia already gets 89% of its electricity from low-carbon sources, an impressive achievement. In 2023, hydropower supplied almost 88% of electricity, accounting for nearly all clean electricity generation, while fossil fuels supplied about 11%, almost entirely from coal. Zambia is also a significant net exporter of electricity, helping neighboring regions lower their emissions. The next challenge is to electrify transport, heating and industry, which will require much more clean electricity and can reduce fossil-fuel use, climate emissions and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Zambia?

Electricity consumption per person remains well below Zambia’s historical peak, a worrying sign that sustained growth is needed. In 2023, consumption was about 940 kWh per person, compared with the record of roughly 1,640 kWh in 1981—a decline of about 700 kWh, or 43%. Low-carbon electricity generation was about 840 kWh per person, down from approximately 1,620 kWh in 1981, a reduction of roughly 790 kWh, or 48%. These comparisons show a substantial shortfall from past records, although they do not establish whether total electricity consumption increased or decreased in the latest year.

Suggestions

Zambia can increase low-carbon electricity generation by expanding solar power alongside its established hydropower system and considering nuclear power as a source of steady clean electricity. Solar projects can add substantial generation, while investment in transmission, storage and distribution can help deliver that electricity to households, businesses and industry. Zambia should also assess nuclear development, including the skills, institutions and infrastructure needed to support it. A sustained expansion of clean electricity would support wider electrification, economic development and continued electricity exports.

History

Zambia’s recorded low-carbon electricity history is dominated by fluctuations in hydropower. Generation fell by 1.3 TWh in 1987 and 1.6 TWh in 1989, before recovering in 1990–1991. The 1990s remained uneven: a 2.5 TWh decline in 1992 was followed by a 1.6 TWh rebound in 1993, while a smaller decline in 1996 was reversed in 1997. Growth returned with an increase of 0.8 TWh in 2006 and gains totaling 3.6 TWh during 2011–2014. Disappointing declines totaling 3 TWh in 2015–2016 were followed by a 2.7 TWh recovery in 2017–2018, then another 1.4 TWh fall in 2019. Encouragingly, hydropower surged by 3.3 TWh in 2021 and added another 1 TWh in 2022, demonstrating the scale of clean electricity growth Zambia can build upon.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade