Zambia has launched two renewable energy initiatives with support from the United Nations, aimed at ensuring consistent power supply to health facilities and promoting sustainable energy development across the country.
These projects are part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure and improve service delivery, particularly in the healthcare sector, which has been affected by frequent power disruptions.
The first initiative, known as the Solar for Health project, is designed to provide reliable solar power to health centers. By addressing electricity shortages, the project will help maintain uninterrupted healthcare services and boost the resilience of the health system.
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Sustainable energy access
Acting Minister of Health, Douglas Syakalima, highlighted that sustainable energy access in healthcare is essential for improving service delivery and reducing the sector’s environmental impact. He also stressed the importance of partnerships and innovation, noting that energy challenges cannot be addressed by government efforts alone.
The second initiative, titled Accelerating Deployment and Adoption of Renewable Energy Technologies in Zambia, focuses on promoting the growth of clean energy businesses. This project aims to connect energy entrepreneurs with technology developers and consumers, ensuring that communities especially those in rural and peri-urban areas gain access to high-quality renewable energy solutions. It also emphasizes the need for building local technical expertise to support the long-term adoption of these technologies.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Beatrice Mutali, stated that the launch of these projects is timely, as the country is currently facing a significant energy crisis. She noted that introducing renewable energy initiatives is a strategic step toward addressing climate change and improving economic and environmental outcomes. The UN remains committed to supporting Zambia’s transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.