Techbytes: High cost of renewables technologies threatens Zambia’s ASCENT gains, says Chikote

Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, has warned that the high cost of renewable technologies remained a major barrier to Zambia’s full participation in the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) programme.

Launched in 2024 by COMESA and the World Bank, ASCENT is anchored on a US$5 billion core investment, with an additional US$10 billion expected from development partners and private investors.

The initiative seeks to transform energy access through innovation, digital tools, and regional collaboration.

Speaking at the launch of ASCENT 2025 Week in Chongwe on Monday, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Green Economy and Environment Minister Mike Mposha, Chikote reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment but stressed the need to address affordability challenges.

“We must reduce the costs of solar panels, wind turbines, and storage systems,” he said, adding, “I call upon development partners, manufacturers, and financiers to innovate not just in technology but also in pricing through concessional financing, bulk procurement, and local manufacturing.”

World Bank Practice Manager, Yadviga Semikolenova, said ASCENT had expanded to 11 member countries and now formsed the backbone of the Bank’s “Mission 300” initiative, which aims to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030.

“Since the launch of Mission 300, 30 million people have gained access to electricity, 20 million of them in Eastern and Southern Africa,” she said.

COMESA Assistant Secretary General for Programmes, Mohamed Kadah, described clean energy access as “a necessity, not a luxury,” urging member states to accelerate implementation, with 630 million people in the region still lacking reliable power.

COMESA’s Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration, Dev Haman, outlined five strategic priorities for ASCENT’s success: harmonising policies, expanding infrastructure, engaging private capital, building technical capacity, and ensuring inclusivity in access.

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