Investor confidence soars, as ERB reportedly approves licenses valued at K3.7 billion for energy projects

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved energy licences and construction permits valued at more than K3.7 billion, marking a significant boost for Zambia’s power and petroleum sectors and signalling renewed investor confidence in the country’s energy industry.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the ERB Manager-Public Relations Namukolo Kasumpa, the approvals—granted in January—cover a mix of renewable energy initiatives and downstream petroleum infrastructure, reflecting steady expansion across the energy value chain.

Kasumpa said the investments, estimated at about US$189 million, were expected to strengthen service delivery, improve fuel availability and widen access to clean energy solutions.

Read more: Hichilema to address mining indaba in Cape Town, as Zambia pushes sector reforms

“In the petroleum subsector, the ERB authorised the construction of three new retail service stations and cleared four additional stations for commissioning. The regulator also licensed over 200 fuel tankers, a move aimed at reinforcing national fuel distribution capacity and enhancing security of supply across the country,” she said.

Renewable energy projects also featured prominently in the approvals.

According to Kasumpa, the ERB issued licences for the importation, supply, installation and maintenance of renewable energy equipment, supporting decentralised power solutions and the rollout of affordable and sustainable energy systems, particularly in underserved areas.

The regulator said the approvals were made in line with the Energy Regulation Act of 2019 and demonstrate the effectiveness of Zambia’s regulatory framework in attracting compliant and long-term private sector investment.

The ERB reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding consumer interests while promoting operational efficiency and sustainability in the energy sector, as Zambia continues to position energy infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.