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The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre has raised concern with the government’s slow pace in implementing the Open Access policy on the TAZAMA Pipeline.
Organisation Executive Director, Solomon Ngoma, said the lag raised questions about government’s commitment to critical structural reforms necessary for sustainable economic growth.
Ngoma in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday stressed the importance of policy consistency and effective implementation.
He noted the need for the government to prioritize reforms that enhanced economic efficiency, transparency, and accountability for Zambia to attract investment and drive economic growth.
Ngoma urged the government to expedite the implementation of key policies that would unlock Zambia’s economic potential and benefit its citizens.
“The government must work closely with the private sector, civil society, and development partners to ensure that Zambia’s economic policies are geared towards sustainable growth and prosperity for all Zambians,” he said.
Ngoma emphasized that addressing the energy crisis was crucial for achieving the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) projections that Zambia’s inflation rate would decrease to 7.9 percent in 2026.
He stated that the persistent load shedding was a significant impediment to economic growth.
“We urge the government to declare the current energy situation a national emergency,” Ngoma added.
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He stated that immediate and sustained action was required to stabilize the energy sector and ensure a reliable power supply.
Ngoma said the current energy crisis not only hampered economic productivity but also discouraged investment, exacerbated unemployment, and undermined the welfare of Zambian citizens.
“It is imperative that the government takes decisive measures to address the root causes of load shedding, including investing in energy infrastructure, improving governance in the energy sector, and enhancing the efficiency of energy production and distribution,” he said.
Ngoma further called on the government to develop a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the impact of load shedding on businesses and households.
He emphasised the need for the strategy to include short-term measures to alleviate the immediate suffering of citizens and businesses, as well as long-term plans to ensure energy security and sustainability.
“Without a stable energy supply, reaching the projected inflation rate and fostering economic growth will be challenging,” Ngoma said.
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