ERB approves 32 licences, receives K4.5 billion in investment pledges

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) says it has approved 32 licences, 16 construction permits and various licence amendments with a total investment pledge of K4.5 billion, equivalent to US$253 million, for energy services delivery and infrastructure development.

The approvals were granted at an ERB Licensing Committee meeting held on June 15, 2026 and span electricity, renewable energy and downstream petroleum subsectors, reflecting broad-based growth across the energy value chain.

ERB Public Relations Manager, Namukolo Kasumpa, confirmed this in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday.

In downstream petroleum infrastructure, ERB authorised construction of 12 retail service stations and approved commissioning of 4 additional retail service stations plus 1 petroleum storage facility.

“These developments contribute to expansion of compliant petroleum infrastructure and improved accessibility of petroleum products nationwide,” Kasumpa said.

ERB also approved inclusion of 76 petroleum transportation fuel tankers to strengthen the petroleum supply chain, enhance national distribution capacity and support security of supply.

In renewable energy, the Board approved a licence for photovoltaic power generation and authorised construction of 4 Photovoltaic Power Generation Plants with a combined capacity of 126 MWp Solar Photovoltaic to support sustainable energy systems in line with national energy policy objectives.

“All licences and permits were issued under the Energy Regulation Act No. 12 of 2019, ensuring full regulatory compliance,” she said.

Kasumpa said the approvals reflect sustained investor confidence in Zambia’s energy sector and underscored the effectiveness of its regulatory framework in facilitating compliant, sustainable investments.

She reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to regulating the energy sector in the public interest, with sustained focus on compliance, operational efficiency, consumer protection and long-term sustainability.

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