By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia’s Energy Minister has called on Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) member states to strengthen regional cooperation, expand power generation and improve electricity transmission systems to meet growing energy demand in the region.
Speaking during the official opening of the 66th SAPP Management Committee meeting in Lusaka, Makozo Chikote emphasized the importance of the regional power pool in coordinating electricity trade among southern African countries.
Mr. Chikote, who was represented by Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary -Electricity Eng. Arnold Simwaba, noted that SAPP has played a critical role in the region’s electricity sector since its establishment in 1995.
He acknowledged the progress made in facilitating power trade and coordinating regional power systems but said more work is needed to strengthen energy infrastructure.
Mr. Chikote urged delegates to align their deliberations with the region’s Mission 300 strategy, which outlines key priorities for the future of the energy sector.
“Our expectation, as usual, is that we remain mindful of our shared Mission 300 journey, which is built on five critical pillars that will define the future of our energy sector,” he said.
The Minister stated that one of the priorities is expanding power generation and improving resilience to climate-related disruptions that have affected electricity supply.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening regional power markets through interconnection projects such as the Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector, which aims to link southern and eastern African power systems.
“In Zambia’s case, projects such as the Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector aim to link the southern and eastern African power pools, creating a power market spanning from Cape Town to Cairo — a true precursor to the African Single Electricity Market,” Mr. Chikote stated.
He noted that trading on the SAPP competitive market has increased significantly, indicating growing reliance on regional electricity trade, but that transmission limitations continue to restrict electricity trade in the region.
“We remain hopeful that the 800 gigawatt hours of energy currently constrained due to transmission limitations will be unlocked,” he said.
He further urged regional utilities to explore ways of optimizing transmission networks to ensure electricity reaches more consumers, encouraging the adoption of off-grid solutions alongside traditional grid expansion.
And ZESCO Limited Managing Director Eng. Justin Loongo reaffirmed the utility’s commitment to supporting regional integration and improving power infrastructure.
Eng. Loongo noted that Zambia remains strategically positioned as a key transit and interconnection hub within the regional power system, connecting several neighbouring countries and enabling power flows across the region.
He stressed that continued investment in transmission infrastructure would be critical to supporting regional energy growth.
“We recognize our responsibility to continue investing in transmission infrastructure and strengthening the system to support the growth of the regional energy market,” he said.
“Meetings such as this provide an invaluable platform for institutions to exchange knowledge, share best practices and develop coordinated solutions to common challenges.”
SAPP 66th Management Committee Meeting which commenced on, March 9, 2026, in Lusaka, was officially opened on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
National utility, ZESCO Limited is hosting 17 power utilities from 12 Southern Africa countries who have converged on the Zambian capital to enhance collaboration and strengthen regional security through electricity sharing and trading.
