Zambia is currently grappling with an unprecedented electricity crisis, despite being home to the mighty Zambezi River and the expansive Kariba Dam. Many residents now face blackouts that can stretch up to three days, leaving them feeling fortunate if they receive just one or two hours of power in a day.
The extent of these blackouts has taken many by surprise, particularly the 43% of Zambians who have always relied on a steady electricity supply. The situation has only worsened due to one of the worst droughts in decades, linked to the El Niño weather pattern, which has severely impacted the country’s power generation capabilities.
“I’ve noticed something quite strange in bars and restaurants lately; patrons aren’t just there for food or drinks—they’re coming to charge their phones while the generators hum in the background,” one local noted. This shift has given rise to a new business model where individuals charge devices for those struggling to access electricity at home.
Zambia’s energy landscape is heavily reliant on hydroelectric power, with around 84% coming from hydro sources, whereas coal accounts for only 13%. Other energy sources like solar and diesel make up a mere 3%.
The situation took a turn for the worse recently when the sole coal-fired power plant, Maamba Energy, was under maintenance and operating below capacity. However, hope was revived when Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote announced that the plant has resumed full operation, promising at least three hours of electricity daily for citizens.
Back in February, President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought a national disaster, but progress on effective solutions has been slow. Financial constraints have hampered the government’s ability to import power from suppliers demanding upfront payments. Matongo Maumbi, a spokesperson for Zesco, the state power utility, mentioned that electricity imports from Mozambique and South Africa are being arranged to help ease the crisis, particularly for the mining sector, which is pivotal to Zambia’s economy.
Historically, the Kariba Dam, built in the 1950s on the Zambezi River, has provided power to Zambia’s largest underground power station. Yet, extreme drought conditions have caused alarming reductions in river levels, leaving only one of six turbines operational, producing merely 7% of its total capacity.
Engineer Cephas Museba, a Zesco veteran of 19 years, shared his concerns: “I’ve never seen water levels this low at Kariba.” He confirmed that the lack of rainfall since February has sparked a widespread electricity crisis, impacting nearly every aspect of daily life.
As businesses close earlier and layoffs increase, some bakeries are cutting production due to the rising costs associated with generator use, leading to shortages of basic staples like bread. Fortunately, the government has installed large generators in critical areas such as markets, hospitals, and government offices, but many stories persist of patients relying on electricity for essential medical procedures, facing long waits for power restoration.
“Life under these conditions has become incredibly tough,” reflected one local. “There are days when the power cuts last for hours.” He shared that his family often wears the same clothes for days, as laundry accumulates with no power to wash them.
The crisis has become so severe that even refrigerated perishable food has spoiled. “I woke up to a terrible smell recently—everything in the fridge went bad, and my dog ended up having a feast!” he recounted.
With living costs already climbing, buying food supplies has become increasingly difficult. He remarked that their latest grocery haul included items that were more suitable as dog food.
Despite the government’s efforts to encourage homes and businesses to adopt solar energy, many find the upfront costs prohibitive. Those who invest often discover that limited sunlight results in inadequate power generation. Families are now resorting to portable gas stoves amidst shortages, while others turn to charcoal, raising significant environmental concerns.
The electricity crisis is also affecting private water boreholes installed in many middle-class homes, as pumping water requires electricity. Households are struggling to maintain a consistent water supply, and schools are now advising children to bring water daily to prevent potential sanitation emergencies.
Frustration runs deep among citizens, who see these recurring blackouts as a failure of past governments to adequately plan for such crises. The current administration has expressed intentions to upgrade the country’s energy landscape, aiming to reduce reliance on hydro power to around 60%.
Investment in alternative energy sources, such as solar plants, is underway, but there is also momentum toward coal. In July, the energy regulator approved plans for the construction of the country’s second coal-fired power plant—a move many are skeptical of due to environmental consequences.
As Zambia navigates this challenging period, its people are eagerly waiting for solutions to restore normalcy in their lives, hoping for a brighter and more stable future.
