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The government has officially launched a new transformational electricity subsidy under the National Energy Advancement Transformation (NEAT) Programme.
The new subsidy component under NEAT is designed to make electricity more affordable and accessible for rural households and small businesses.
Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote officially launched the programme in Itezhi Tezhi District of Southern Province on Thursday.
The NEAT subsidy aligns with a people-first, “delivering for the people,” approach to governance that places equity, opportunity, and dignity at the center of national development, according to Chikote.
The minister stated that the programme was an enabler of education, healthcare, productivity, and hope for the people.
“Eligible communities across rural Zambia will be able to access subsidized electricity, helping families light their homes, power small enterprises, and access modern services that uplift livelihoods,” he said.
Chikote stated that the development was a major step in delivering real impact where it matters most and providing easy access to electricity.
He added that the programme was in accordance with Sustainable Development Goals number 7 aimed at affordable, clean energy for all, vision 2030 and the Eighth National Development Plan (8th NDP).
“The initiative represents a major milestone in the government’s Delivery Agenda, specifically, the commitment to ensuring universal access to electricity for all Zambians and bring power closer to the people, regardless of geography or income level,” Chikote stated.
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He emphasized that electricity provision was crucial for development and that the government’s commitment to universal access will improve the lives of Zambians, especially in rural areas.
“The government has reduced the electricity connection from K4,800 to K300, making it more affordable for citizens in rural areas,” Chikote said.
Similary, ZESCO Managing Director Engineer Justine Loongo assured that the corporation was committed to providing electricity to all Zambians, with a vision of universal access by 2030.
The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has implemented grid extensions in various parts of the country, with a $26.5 million World Bank-funded project aimed at connecting over 560,000 households.
Meanwhile, Area Member of Parliament for Itezhi-Tezhi Twaambo Mutinta welcomed the initiative, saying it would boost the local economy, particularly the fishing industry.
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