Zambia: ERB says licences worth K6.5 billion approved, attributes success to favorable regulatory framework

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) says it has approved 35 licence applications and 15 construction permits across Zambia’s petroleum, electricity, and renewable energy subsectors, representing a total investment pledge of K6.5 billion (US$284 million).

ERB Public Relations Manager, Namukolo Kasumpa, said the approvals, made during the Board’s Licensing Committee meeting on 15th October 2025, demonstrated sustained investor confidence and growing interest in Zambia’s energy sector.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Kasumpa said the trend underscored the country’s favourable regulatory framework and the ERB’s ongoing efforts to streamline approval processes.

“To maintain this momentum, the ERB remains focused on strengthening investor confidence through predictable, safe and efficient regulatory processes that support timely application reviews and project implementation,” Kasumpa said.

He also highlighted that the licences covered a range of energy-related activities, including: manufacture, supply, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy equipment, road transportation of petroleum products, distribution, import and export of petroleum products, wholesale and retail marketing of petroleum products, production of biofuels as alternatives to charcoal, and electricity generation, supply, and distribution.

“The licences play a critical role in ensuring energy availability, enhancing operational efficiency and promoting access to modern energy services and equipment across the country,” she said.

She also highlighted two major construction permits approved in the electricity and renewable energy sub-sector.

“Maamba Solar Energy Limited – A proposed 118.4 MWp / 100 MWac Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant at an approximate cost of investment of 90 million United States Dollars,” Kasumpa said, adding that the proposed power plant will be located in Maamba Area of Sinazongwe District.

“United Capital Fertilizer Zambia Company Limited — A proposed 50 MW Steam Turbine Generator Project for own use at an approximate cost of investment of 70 million United States Dollars,” she said, noting that the power plant will provide dedicated power to the fertilizer production plant in Lusaka District.

Kasumpa further said that road tank vehicles were licensed to enhance petroleum product transportation and that newly built service stations were authorised to commence operations.

“The developments reflect the ERB’s ongoing commitment to promoting a transparent and supportive regulatory environment that encourages sustainable investments in line with national energy policies,” she added.

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