Drought-Hit Zambia Boosts Power Imports to Combat Blackouts

Zambia has significantly increased electricity imports from neighboring nations to mitigate the impact of extended power outages caused by an El Niño-driven drought. This weather pattern has reduced hydropower production, Zambia's primary electricity source, leading to widespread blackouts across the country.

Zesco Ltd., the state-owned power utility, has been importing electricity from South Africa’s Eskom Holdings, Mozambique’s EDM, and the Southern African Power Pool. In response to rising import costs, Zambia's energy regulator recently approved emergency tariff hikes to cover the expenses, with a review set for three months.

While Zesco aims to deliver a steady five-hour power supply daily, it warns that unforeseen factors could disrupt this schedule. So far, only the mining sector has maintained stable power access, while other consumers have received an average of three hours per day due to the drought—the worst Zambia has experienced in over a century.

You can follow Daba’s reporting on Africa on WhatsApp. Sign up here