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The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has reportedly approved 21 energy licences and nine construction permits valued at K4.8 billion (approximately US$206 million), aimed at boosting access to efficient energy services and driving innovation in Zambia’s energy sector.
The approved licences include: nine licences for the manufacture, supply, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy generating equipment, four licences for the road transportation of petroleum products, three licences for the distribution, import, and export of petroleum products and two licences for electricity generation and trading.
One licence each for the importation, packaging, blending, distribution and export of lubricants; production of biofuels; and wholesale marketing of petroleum products.
In a statement, ERB Manager – Public Relations, Namukolo Kasumpa, said the approvals were granted during the Board’s July Licensing Committee meeting.
Read more: ERB approves 89 licenses, eight construction permits; claims $381.4 million investment attracted
Kasumpa noted that the move reflected the Board’s continued efforts to streamline approval processes through timely reviews and a responsive regulatory framework.
“The 21 approved licences cover a wide range of energy activities designed to enhance access to efficient energy services and promote technological innovation across the country.
“These licences are critical to enhancing energy availability, supporting private sector participation, and improving operational efficiency,” Kasumpa said.
In terms of infrastructure development, nine construction permits were approved, with seven in the electricity and renewable energy sub-sectors.
Key approved projects include construction of a 1.5 km 11kV overhead transmission line by Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) from Ndola Refinery to HGS and establishment of an 11/0.4 kV Hua Gang Steel substation and a 6.9 km 66kV overhead transmission line from Ndola Refinery to Chilanga Cement Ndola, along with the establishment of a 66/11 kV, 15 MVA substation;
Others are construction of two 220kV Maposa-Twapia transmission lines, development of a 220/66/11 kV substation by Shibuyunji Solar Limited, construction of a 50 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Shibuyunji, a 20 MW solar PV power plant by Innovent Garneton North Solar Limited in Kitwe and a 50 MW grid-scale solar PV plant by ZESCO Limited, among others.
Kasumpa noted that the increase in energy investments signals sustained investor confidence and reflects the ERB’s commitment to fostering a transparent and supportive regulatory environment.
“The ERB remains steadfast in its mandate to regulate the energy sector effectively, with a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement and the promotion of a sustainable, inclusive, and reliable energy mix,” she said.
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