Government has expressed concern with the low access to electricity by rural communities.

Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Peter Mumba says even though there is some improvement in access in rural areas more need to be done to achieve universal access to energy coverage by 2030 as espoused in the country’s 8th National Development Plan 

Mr Mumba who was speaking during the launch of the 2023 National Energy Access Survey in Lusaka today however noted that access to alternative sources of energy in the country has increased with about 18.6 households now utilizing solar power.

The Permanent Secretary attributed the growth in access to solar power to the private sector’s response to governments’ call to improve affordability of solar equipment.

He has highlighted that the report being launched will act as a baseline for future decision and policy making and help to improve access to energy in the country.

And Zambia Statistics Agency Acting Statistician General Sheila Mudenda, who was represented by Assistant Director Economics and Financial Statistics Joseph Tembo highlighted that the report provides critical information and data for the government to make decisions and plans to improve access to energy.

Ms Mudenda has urged all stakeholders in the energy sector to use the report for their planning and decision-making in the future.

The National Energy Access Survey has revealed that the National access rate now stands at 53.6%, with the Urban Electricity access rate increasing from 64% to 80%, while the rural access rate has recorded an increase from 8.4% to 34%.