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The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved 31 licences, 16 construction permits and several licence inclusions, representing a total investment commitment of K7.3 billion aimed at improving energy service delivery and strengthening infrastructure development across Zambia.
The approvals span the electricity, renewable energy and downstream petroleum subsectors.
According to ERB Manager for Public Relations Namukola Kasumpa, the developments signal broad-based growth within the national energy value chain and reflect sustained investor confidence in the country’s energy sector.
Kasumpa said in a statement issued on Friday that the approvals were granted during an ERB Licensing Committee meeting held on April 14, 2026, and reaffirm the robustness of the Board’s regulatory framework in promoting compliant, efficient and sustainable investments.
In the renewable energy subsector, she said the ERB approved six licences for the manufacture, supply, installation and maintenance of renewable energy generating equipment.
The Board also granted a licence for the production of biofuels as an alternative to charcoal. Kasumpa described the approval as significant as it supports environmental sustainability, reduces dependence on charcoal and contributes to diversifying the national energy mix.
In the electricity subsector, four construction permits were issued for the development of new electricity generation facilities.
According to Kasumpa, these projects are expected to boost generation capacity, improve system reliability and strengthen the overall power supply network.
The downstream petroleum subsector also recorded notable approvals.
The ERB authorised five licences for the transportation of petroleum products, 13 licences for the importation, export and distribution of petroleum products, and one licence for the retail of petroleum products.
Additional approvals included five licences for the importation, blending, packaging, distribution and export of lubricants, as well as one licence for the importation, distribution and export of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
The Board further approved 12 construction permits for new retail service stations and authorised the commissioning of three additional stations for operation.
To enhance petroleum logistics, 52 fuel tankers were also licensed, a move Kasumpa said would strengthen efficiency and resilience within the supply chain.
She added that 15 licence inclusions were granted to allow the retailing of LPG at designated kiosks, increasing public access to cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives.
Kasumpa stressed that all approvals were issued in accordance with the Energy Regulation Act No. 12 of 2019 and other applicable regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance with standards relating to safety, efficiency and environmental protection.
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