In rural Zambia, access to reliable and affordable electricity is a key driver of economic opportunity. Many communities rely on unpredictable grid connections or costly diesel generators, with over half of the population underserved or living off-grid. In 2024, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), together with the Global Energy Alliance and support from The Rockefeller Foundation, launched the Powering 1000 Communities Initiative to expand solar mini-grid access and bring energy to millions of rural Zambians.
Despite Zambia’s progress in expanding energy access, rapid population growth and reliance on hydroelectric power, which accounts for over 80% of national electricity, have highlighted the need to diversify sources. Recurring droughts create vulnerability in energy supply, and as of 2024, the country faced a power deficit of 1,360 megawatts. Rural areas are particularly affected, with only 34% of households connected to electricity, stifling socio-economic development.
SEforALL and partners have taken a holistic approach, focusing not just on electricity connections but on building productive, sustainable local economies. This involves creating demand for energy through productive uses, strengthening local businesses, and making off-grid solutions financially viable. The Zambia Energy Demand Stimulation Incentive (ZEDSI) incentivizes private off-grid developers to expand mini-grid installations and promote productive energy use. Early results show significant increases in energy consumption and revenue for mini-grid operators, with farmers and small businesses using electricity for milling, cold storage, and other productive activities.
Alongside ZEDSI, an integrated rural electrification framework is being developed to combine grid extension, mini-grids, mesh grids, and solar home systems. This approach emphasizes sustainable, long-term investment and cost-reflective tariffs, moving away from one-off infrastructure grants. Pilot clusters are planned to create an investment case that attracts private financing for off-grid projects.
The initiative also supports strategic planning through a geospatial working group and strengthening the Rural Electrification Authority’s national electrification master plan. With continued collaboration between SEforALL, the Global Energy Alliance, and The Rockefeller Foundation, rural Zambian communities are seeing growth in businesses powered by mini-grids, stimulating economic activity and laying the foundation for long-term social and economic progress.
