ZESCO, Zambia’s state-owned power company, has announced a sharp cutback in electricity exports to neighbouring countries in order to prioritise domestic demand. The decision comes amid rising public anger over persistent load-shedding, which has disrupted homes, businesses, and eroded confidence in the nation’s energy management.
Officials acknowledged that while power exports have provided critical foreign exchange earnings, ensuring reliable supply for Zambians has now become the government’s overriding priority. The move reflects mounting pressure on authorities to demonstrate responsiveness, especially as prolonged blackouts have slowed economic activity and stoked frustration in both urban centres and rural communities.
The reduction in exports follows a period of strained generation capacity, largely caused by low water levels in major hydroelectric reservoirs. With hydro power supplying most of Zambia’s electricity, erratic rainfall and climate variability have severely constrained output. ZESCO executives admitted that the burden of domestic load-shedding had become both politically and economically unsustainable.
For businesses, inconsistent power has meant reduced operations, higher expenses from running generators, and significant production losses. For households, especially in low-income areas, blackouts have meant spoiled food, interrupted studies, and worsening living conditions. These hardships have amplified calls for decisive government action.
By cutting exports, ZESCO hopes to ease the strain, but analysts caution that the measure addresses only the symptoms of a deeper problem. Zambia’s overreliance on hydropower makes the sector highly vulnerable to drought and shifting climate patterns. Without rapid investment in solar, thermal, and other renewable sources, the country risks repeating cycles of shortages.
The decision also carries financial trade-offs. Electricity sales to the regional Southern African Power Pool have been an important source of foreign revenue. Scaling back exports may buy political relief at home but at the cost of forex earnings, complicating broader economic reforms and efforts to strengthen external reserves.
In the medium term, government officials point to ongoing projects—including solar plants and thermal expansions—as crucial for stabilising supply. Yet, concerns remain over financing, timelines, and whether delivery can keep pace with growing demand. Analysts stress that credibility will depend on consistent progress and transparent communication.
Ultimately, the export cut is as much a political signal as a technical fix, underscoring government recognition that energy access is central to social stability and economic growth. Whether this marks the start of a sustainable turnaround or just a temporary reprieve will hinge on investment, innovation, and the ability to turn promises into reliable power for Zambians.
