Preliminary Insights from the 2023 National Energy Access Survey Report

The Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Peter Mumba, unveiled the 2023 National Energy Access Survey Report on 27th December 2024. Dr. Johnstone Chikwanda, an energy expert, shared his initial assessment.

1. Rural Electrification Access:

The rural electrification access rate has climbed to 34%, a significant improvement from just 4% a few years ago. This progress highlights the effectiveness of government policies and the increased funding allocated to the Rural Electrification Authority (REA). REA has been diligent in fulfilling its mandate. However, the access gap remains substantial. With enhanced resource allocation and additional initiatives, REA has the potential to achieve even greater milestones.

2. Urban Electrification:

With 80% urban electrification, there has been commendable progress. However, the target should be to exceed 90%, ensuring more comprehensive urban coverage.

3. National Electrification Rate:

The combined national electrification rate (urban and rural) stands at 53.6%, a concerning figure. This average is significantly impacted by the still-low rural electrification rate, despite recent progress. At 53.6%, Zambia’s national electrification rate remains one of the lowest in the region, highlighting the need for more robust interventions.

4. LPG Consumption:

The national Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumption rate of 1% is alarmingly low. This underscores an urgent need to refocus efforts and realign initiatives to promote LPG use.

LPG serves as a key alternative to charcoal and a substitute for electricity in cooking, making it a critical component of sustainable energy strategies. Zambia can benefit from studying successful models in other countries that have achieved higher LPG consumption rates.

5. Charcoal Usage:

Charcoal remains a dominant energy source, with 56.7% of households relying on it. When combined with households using firewood, this figure likely exceeds 60%. Urban areas account for 60% of charcoal consumption. To address this, we must implement affordable and practical replacement strategies to curb demand in cities.

6. Electrification Growth vs. Population Growth:

The electrification rate is currently growing at a slower pace than the annual population growth rate. This trend must be reversed through accelerated and targeted interventions.

7. Defining Electrification:

It is encouraging that there is now clarity on what constitutes electrification. Previously, only connections to ZESCO were considered. The landscape has since evolved, with more households accessing clean energy through alternative means without necessarily relying on ZESCO connections.

8. Progress Toward SDG #7:

By 2030, Zambia will report back to the United Nations on progress toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG #7, which calls for universal access to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy for all. With just five years remaining, urban electrification, currently at 80%, is well-positioned for further improvement. However, rural electrification, at 34%, remains a concern, despite its notable progress from a mere 4% a few years ago. This is an encouraging trend, but continued efforts are needed to close the gap.

9. Solar Energy Adoption:

The proportion of households using solar energy has reached 8.9%, a notable milestone. This progress reflects the growing momentum in solar adoption, particularly from early 2024, driven by initiatives such as tax waivers and the removal of the requirement to obtain an ERB permit for importing even a single solar panel.

10. Key Reflections on the Survey:

The survey provides a comprehensive snapshot of Zambia’s energy landscape, highlighting areas that require greater focus. The 1% national LPG penetration rate is a critical concern that warrants deeper discussion and targeted interventions. While solar energy adoption shows promise, with potential to reach a 40% penetration rate within five years, it is essential to sustain and scale up current initiatives.

Conclusion

The Zambia Statistics Agency is commended for spearheading this important survey, which offers valuable statistical insights. The government’s facilitation of the survey is equally praiseworthy, as it equips stakeholders, including investors, with data-driven guidance for decision-making.