Super power Zambia is kickstarting projects worth in the region of ZMW11 billion to improve energy access in the country. This follows an announcement by its Energy Regulation Board that it has approved 62 licences and eight construction projects that span electricity distribution, renewable energy and petrochemicals, reports ESI Africa. ERB spokesperson Namukolo Kasumpa says the ‘steady growth in investments highlights the country’s favourable regulatory framework and the ERB’s efforts to streamline approval processes for investors to participate across the energy value chain’. The projects include the US$270 million, 200 km 330 kV Kalumbila-Kolwezi transmission line that will link Zambia to the regional electricity pool. According to Engineering News, the project will enable copper mines to tap into the power supply of neighbouring DRC. Two more major infrastructure projects okayed by the ERB are a 100 MW solar plant in Mumbwa and an 8 MW off-grid solar PV plant with battery storage. 13 May 2025 Image: Pexels