By Rosemary Kamanga
Government has announced a major reduction in electricity connection fees, cutting the standard on-grid fee from K4,846 to just K300, effective December 22, 2025.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote said the subsidized fee will be implemented under the World Bank-funded $250 million Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) programme. The initiative aims to connect over 1.6 million Zambians to electricity and clean-cooking technologies over the next five years, spanning all 10 provinces.
Mr. Chikote highlighted that the subsidy mechanism targets 100,000 new connections in 2026 alone, marking a significant step toward universal access.
World Bank Country Manager Achim Fock emphasized the urgency of building resilient energy systems, citing Zambia’s recent El Niño-induced drought as a reminder of how climate shocks threaten lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
Rural Electrification Authority Acting CEO Alex Mbumba revealed plans to connect 368,400 households and 40,000 SMEs to power over the next six years.
Meanwhile, ZESCO Managing Director Justine Loongo described the ASCENT programme as a defining moment in Zambia’s journey toward universal energy access.
