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The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has announced that the National Energy Advancement and Transformation (NEAT) project has recorded 23,695 applications since the launch of its electricity connection subsidy on May 29, 2025.
The subsidy, supported by a US$10 million facility from the World Bank, is aimed at delivering 23,695 new standard electricity connections to households and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in rural Zambia.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, the REA Communications Department explained that eligible applicants under the initiative were required to pay only K300 for a standard electricity connection—significantly reduced from the standard fee of K4,846.
REA said the overwhelming response reflects a strong demand for affordable electricity in underserved areas.
“This is a clear indication that connection subsidies remain a critical enabler if Zambia is to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030, in line with the government’s vision and Sustainable Development Goal 7,” the statement read.
Read More: Govt launches affordable electricity subsidy for rural households under NEAT programme
The authority added that while the number of applications was encouraging, all submissions were currently undergoing a verification process through ZESCO to determine eligibility.
“It is anticipated that some applications may not meet the required criteria, potentially creating space for additional applications to be received on a first-come, first-served basis,” REA stated.
It urged interested households and communities to watch out for official updates and new opportunities under the NEAT project, which will be communicated through media, official platforms, and community structures.
Additionally, REA revealed that the government was working to facilitate another subsidy programme to benefit more Zambians, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
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