Electricity
ZAMBIA ELECTRICITY KEY FIGURES 2025
| Installed Capacity 2025 | Hydropower Share | Rural Access | Electricity Fund |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3,886 MW | Over 80% | 34.0% | K500 million (2026 Budget) |
Zambia’s installed electricity generation capacity rose to 3,886 megawatts in 2025, from 3,318 megawatts in 2021, as the government establishes an Electricity Fund, allocated K500 million in the 2026 Budget, to strengthen electricity security and supply stability.
Rural electricity access has risen to 34.0% from 8.0% in 2021 through the Rural Electrification Programme, with 130 projects completed since 2022 and a further 130 planned for 2026.
Generation Capacity and the Electricity Fund
Zambia’s national installed electricity generation capacity, including on-grid and off-grid systems, rose to 3,886 megawatts in 2025, up from 3,318 megawatts in 2021, driven in part by energy sector reforms that opened generation, distribution, importing and exporting to private players alongside ZESCO[1]. Over 80% of that capacity is hydropower[1]. Government reforms have included the Multi-Year Tariff Framework, the Electricity Open Access Framework, the Net Metering Policy Framework and the Energy Single Licensing System, alongside a newly established Electricity Fund, allocated K500 million in the 2026 Budget to strengthen electricity security and supply stability[1][2].
Rural Electrification
Since 2022, 130 Rural Electrification Programme projects have been completed, comprising 104 on-grid and 26 off-grid projects, lifting rural electricity access to 34.0% from 8.0% in 2021[1]. Government plans a further 100 on-grid and 30 off-grid projects in 2026[1].
Investment Opportunities
The newly established Electricity Fund and continuing Rural Electrification Programme rollout extend investment opportunity beyond generation into transmission, distribution and rural supply infrastructure, alongside the 1,500 megawatts of solar generation expected within 12 months of the 2026 Budget Speech, detailed further on the dedicated Energy page[1][2].
Last Update: September 2026
