- Government and partners roll out ELECT Project to strengthen energy efficiency and reduce pressure on the national grid.
- Initiative focuses on skills development, university capacity building, and applied research.
- European Union backs three year programme to support a resilient and sustainable energy sector.
The Zambian Government, working with academia and international cooperating partners, has launched the Energy Efficiency Lighting for Clean Energy Transition in Zambia Project, known as ELECT, marking a significant step toward advancing energy efficiency and supporting the country’s clean energy transition.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote said the project demonstrates a clear move from policy ambition to practical implementation. His remarks were delivered on his behalf by Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary for Electricity, Engineer Arnold Simwaba.
The Minister said that while Zambia continues to expand electricity generation capacity and diversify its energy mix, demand side measures such as energy efficient lighting are critical to easing pressure on the national grid. He noted that these interventions also help reduce energy costs for consumers while improving the overall reliability of the power system.
According to Mr Chikote, the ELECT Project directly supports the objectives of the National Energy Policy of 2019 and the Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan of 2022. He emphasised that technology alone is not sufficient to achieve sustainable energy systems, highlighting the need for strong local skills and institutional capacity.
The project is expected to strengthen university programmes, modernise training methods, and enhance applied research, helping to build the human capital required to support Zambia’s clean energy ambitions. The Minister also welcomed the project’s collaborative approach, stressing that effective energy policy implementation depends on close cooperation between academia, industry, and regulators.
Mulungushi University Vice Chancellor Professor Royson Mukwena thanked the European Union for funding the initiative and said the project aligns closely with Zambia’s national development priorities. He underlined the role of universities in sustaining development initiatives beyond their implementation period by producing industry ready graduates and generating research that informs policy and innovation.
Professor Mukwena reaffirmed the university’s commitment to working with all partners to ensure the success of the ELECT Project and to contribute to long term technical capacity and human capital development.
Finnish Ambassador to Zambia Saana Halinen said the project will be implemented over a three year period and is expected to promote innovation, cooperation, and strong partnerships between academia, industry, and policymakers.
European Union Representative Massimo Bonannini confirmed continued EU support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of energy efficient lighting systems in addressing Zambia’s slow electrification rate and in building a more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy sector.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
