MTN MOMO, SHOPRITE LAUNCH PROMOTION TO BOOST DIGITAL PAYMENTS

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA – MTN Mobile Money Limited and Shoprite Zambia have partnered to launch the Y’ello Trolley Challenge, a customer promotion aimed at encouraging digital payments while rewarding shoppers with an opportunity to win an instant trolley dash.

The promotion allows customers shopping at any Shoprite store to participate by paying for their purchases using MTN Mobile Money (MoMo), with every qualifying payment providing a chance to win.

The initiative combines retail shopping with mobile financial services, as the two companies seek to make everyday transactions more convenient and rewarding while encouraging wider adoption of cashless payment solutions.

Speaking at the launch, MTN Mobile Money Limited Chief Executive Officer Mr. Komba Malukutila said the promotion reflected the company's commitment to developing digital financial services that deliver practical value to customers.

Mr Malukutila said MTN MoMo was continually exploring ways of making mobile money more relevant to customers by linking digital payment services to their everyday activities.

“At MTN MoMo, we are constantly looking for ways to make digital financial services more relevant and rewarding for our customers. The Y’ello Trolley Challenge combines the convenience of mobile money with an exciting opportunity to win, while encouraging the adoption of secure and convenient digital payments,” he said.

He said partnerships with established retailers such as Shoprite enabled MTN MoMo to extend the benefits of digital financial services to customers through familiar and routine shopping experiences.

Mr Malukutila added that the collaboration was intended to create greater value for customers while making it easier for them to access and use mobile money in their daily transactions.

“By working with trusted partners such as Shoprite, we can bring rewarding experiences directly to customers while making it easier for them to access and use digital payment solutions in their daily activities,” he said.

The partnership reflects the growing intersection between financial technology and the retail sector, where mobile payment platforms are increasingly being integrated into consumer transactions.

For mobile money operators, such collaborations provide an opportunity to increase customer engagement and encourage more people to use digital platforms beyond traditional person-to-person transfers.

Also speaking at the same launch, Shoprite Zambia General Manager Mr. Charles Botha said the collaboration was consistent with the retailer's focus on making shopping convenient, enjoyable and rewarding.

Mr Botha said the Y’ello Trolley Challenge would give customers an opportunity to benefit from an exciting promotion while using a convenient payment option when shopping.

“At Shoprite, we are committed to making shopping convenient, enjoyable and rewarding for our customers. Through this partnership with MTN MoMo, we are providing an exciting opportunity that rewards customers while promoting the use of convenient and secure payment options,” he said.

He said the promotion was designed to strengthen customer engagement and create memorable shopping experiences by connecting everyday purchases with the opportunity to win prizes.

Mr Botha said the retailer was excited to give shoppers an opportunity to experience the thrill of winning an instant trolley dash while carrying out their normal shopping activities.

The Y’ello Trolley Challenge is expected to encourage customers to consider mobile money as a payment option when purchasing groceries and other household essentials at Shoprite outlets.

The initiative also highlights how partnerships between telecommunications companies and retail businesses can support the expansion of digital financial services by making electronic payments more visible and accessible in everyday commercial activities.

As Zambia continues to embrace digital financial solutions, promotions linked to routine consumer spending could help familiarise more shoppers with mobile money payments and encourage regular usage.

However, the long-term contribution of such initiatives to digital financial inclusion will depend on sustained customer participation, ease of transactions and confidence in the security and reliability of payment platforms.

The promotion brings together two established brands in a collaboration that seeks to turn ordinary shopping transactions into rewarding customer experiences while supporting the wider shift towards digital payments.

 ONE SQUARE K IPO OPENS PROPERTY INVESTMENT TO THE PUBLIC AS FOUNDERS TARGET EXPANSION

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA – Property development company One Square K (OSK) has opened its shareholding to members of the public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), providing an opportunity for Zambians to participate in the country's real estate sector as the founders pursue plans to expand their property investment interests.

The offer, which opened on October 26, 2026, allows members of the public to acquire existing shares held by the company's founders, marking a new phase in the development of the property business established in 2018.

However, the transaction is structured as a sale of existing shares rather than the issuance of new shares by One Square K to raise fresh capital directly for the company.

Proceeds from the sale are expected to be channelled through the founders' partnership, K&M, to finance the construction of two additional buildings, one of which has already commenced construction.

The founders intend to offer the two buildings to One Square K at a later stage, potentially expanding the company's property portfolio. However, this remains a proposed arrangement and is not a guaranteed outcome of the IPO.

The share offer was discussed during an investor briefing held at AfricaWorks in Kabulonga, Lusaka, where company representatives and property-sector stakeholders outlined the investment opportunity, the company's development journey and the prospects within Zambia's real estate market.

One Square K Managing Director and Co-Founder Mafipe Chunga said the company's establishment in 2018 followed a decision he and his wife made during a dinner conversation, which eventually changed the direction of their careers.

Mr Chunga explained that the idea behind the business was to develop practical and affordable living spaces, particularly for young working professionals seeking accommodation that meets their needs and financial circumstances.

He said the company started with the backing of 14 investors and had since developed into a property venture that was now opening share ownership to the wider public.

The IPO represents an opportunity for the founders to broaden participation in the business while providing prospective investors with exposure to the property development sector.

The development also comes against the backdrop of continued demand for housing in Zambia, particularly in the affordable and middle-market segments, where the cost and availability of suitable accommodation remain important considerations for working households.

Pam Golding Properties Zambia owner Inutu Zaloumis said the country continued to experience a significant gap between available housing and the accommodation requirements of its growing population.

                                                 Ms. Inutu Zaloumis

Ms Zaloumis observed that the housing market needed developers who understood the financial realities of prospective tenants and homeowners, rather than concentrating only on high-end developments.

She said housing was not simply about providing shelter but also about creating living conditions that could support people's productivity, wellbeing and quality of life.

“What we have seen is that when people live in accommodation that is less stressful, they are more productive and efficient,” Ms Zaloumis said.

Her remarks highlighted the economic and social importance of affordable housing, particularly for young professionals and households whose income levels may limit their access to suitable accommodation.

For property developers, the demand creates opportunities to invest in housing products that respond to the purchasing power of the market while maintaining commercially sustainable business models.

Ms Zaloumis said equity financing offered an alternative avenue for businesses seeking to support growth, while the Lusaka Securities Exchange provided a platform through which companies could access patient capital and members of the public could participate in investment opportunities.

However, the structure of the One Square K offer is important for prospective shareholders to understand. Since the IPO involves the sale of existing founder-held shares, the proceeds are not being raised directly by One Square K as new equity capital.

Instead, the founders intend to use the proceeds through K&M to support the construction of the two additional buildings. Their plan is to offer the properties to One Square K at a later stage, subject to the proposed arrangement.

This distinction is significant because investors should not automatically assume that the proceeds will immediately appear as new capital on the company's balance sheet or that the planned buildings will become part of its portfolio.

Meanwhile, delivering the vote of thanks at the briefing, One Square K representative Chisola Machai, speaking on behalf of Chief Financial Officer Joseph Chisanga, acknowledged the institutions and individuals who contributed towards bringing the IPO to fruition.

                                                    Ms. Chisola Machai

Ms Machai thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia, the Lusaka Securities Exchange, professional advisers, the company's board, management and staff for their support throughout the process.

Ms Machai encouraged interested members of the public to contact the company's Investor Relations team for further information about the share offer.

Despite the opportunities presented by the IPO, prospective investors have been urged to understand the risks associated with acquiring shares before making investment decisions.

Another consideration is liquidity, particularly because shares traded on the Alternative Market (Alt-M) may not always be easy to sell when an investor wants to exit. This means shareholders may have to wait for buyers or accept a lower price when seeking to dispose of their shares.

The approved Prospectus therefore remains an important document for anyone considering participation in the offer. It contains detailed information on the share sale, the proposed use of proceeds, the company's plans and the risks associated with the investment.

As One Square K opens its ownership to the public, the offer places a spotlight on the potential role of capital markets in widening participation in property investment.

Its longer-term significance, however, will depend not only on public uptake of the shares but also on the company's ability to execute its business plans, respond to housing demand and translate the proposed property expansion into sustainable value for shareholders.

 EU INVESTS €268,000 IN ZAMBIAN CIVIL SOCIETY TO STRENGTHEN CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

By Alain Kabinda

The European Union (EU), through the People in Need-led Local Empowerment and Development Civil Society (LEADs) Programme, has invested more than €268,000 (approximately K6.1 million) in civil society organisations in Zambia to strengthen citizen participation, research, advocacy and accountability.

Speaking during the grant award ceremony, People in Need Country Director Ms. Stefania Lagonigro  said the initiative was aimed at empowering civil society organisations to take an active role in addressing community challenges and contributing to Zambia's economic development and transformation.

Ms Lagonigro said that this programme recognised that meaningful and sustainable development could not be achieved through institutions alone, but required active citizens and organised communities.

The LEADs Programme, implemented with support from the European Union and in partnership with the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), seeks to strengthen local organisations through research, advocacy, citizen engagement and accountability initiatives.

She also said that the programme was designed to go beyond traditional capacity-building by giving organisations opportunities to implement ideas, generate evidence, influence policies and engage both citizens and public institutions.

"What excites me most is not the amount of funding, but what this funding makes possible," Ms. Lagonigro said.

The grants are expected to support research capable of informing national policies, promote joint initiatives involving civil society organisations, Government, the private sector and the media, and strengthen networks and collaboration among local actors.

Ms. Lagonigro added that civil society organisations played an important role in amplifying community voices, engaging decision-makers and holding institutions accountable while working with them to achieve development outcomes.

This initiative also recognises civil society organisations and communities as important actors in Zambia's economic development and transformation, including contributing to the implementation of the Grow Zambia Agenda.

She further expressed appreciation to the Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, for recognising the importance of working with civil society to deliver meaningful change in communities.

And speaking at the same FSTP Grant award ceremony,Ministry of Community Development and Social Protection Acting Director Mr. Aaron Phiri  representing Minster Ms Beatrice Chilomo said the initiative would help address challenges faced by civil society organisations, including limited access to information, inadequate opportunities for constructive dialogue and capacity-building programmes that are often project-based and one-size-fits-all.

Ms. Chilomo said government recognised that sustainable development could not be achieved by government alone but required partnerships with non-governmental organisations, the private sector, development partners and communities.

“Policies and programmes can only deliver for the people they are meant to serve if we ensure that communities and civil society are involved and engaged in their design, not only during implementation,” Ms. Chilomo said.

The project will support organisations through three funding themes: research grants, consortium grants and organisation-specific support for policy engagement and advocacy.

Ms. Chilomo also urged grant recipients to use the resources to generate credible evidence, build partnerships and engage government constructively to improve programme delivery.

“Evidence is the foundation of good policy. Your research and policy analysis will help government understand what is working, what is not, and who is left behind,” the Ms. Chiolom said.

The initiative comes as Zambia concludes the Eighth National Development Plan and prepares the Ninth National Development Plan, with government seeking the participation of communities, civil society organisations, the private sector and cooperating partners in shaping national priorities.

Ms. Chilomo added that stronger and better-coordinated civil society organisations would make public participation in national development planning more meaningful.

The project also aligns with the European Union's Civil Society and Development Programme for Zambia, which recognises civil society as a strategic partner in promoting sustainable development.

Government has committed to maintaining an enabling environment for civil society organisations, strengthening consultations and dialogue, and considering evidence and recommendations generated through the project when designing and reviewing policies and programmes.

She further called on development partners to continue providing mentorship and follow-up support to grant recipients to ensure that lessons from the initiative inform policy-making and wider civil society engagement.

Civil society organisations were also encouraged to use the grants responsibly, promote transparency and accountability, and ensure that the voices of women, young people and marginalised communities are reflected in decisions affecting their welfare.

Meanwhile European Union Team Leader for Governance , Social Sectors and critical Raw Materials Ms. Maria Horno Comet said the initiative had already strengthened the management, advocacy and social accountability capacities of 31 civil society organisations and local networks.

Ms. Comet said the latest grant awards would enable selected organisations to undertake activities across different thematic areas, while strengthening the voices of women, young people, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups.

“Civil society is an indispensable partner in enhancing democratic values. It makes essential contributions to accountability, transparency, justice and citizen participation,” Ms. Comet said.

She also said that the organisations had been selected through a competitive, open and transparent process, urging them to implement their projects with integrity, inclusiveness and accountability.

She further encouraged the beneficiaries to build partnerships, networks and consortiums to increase their impact and strengthen collective advocacy.

The funding forms part of the EU's broader support for civil society in Zambia, covering governance, access to justice, climate change, biodiversity, gender equality, women's and children's rights, and disability inclusion.

Among the beneficiaries recognised for their development leadership were the National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ), which received three awards, and the Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI), which received one award.

And receiving an award on behalf NAQEZ was Mr. Aaron Chansa and CLRI was Mr. Edward Moode.

The recognition reflects the contribution of civil society organisations to advancing development through research, advocacy, policy engagement and community-focused initiatives.

This investment initiative programme seeks to strengthen the meaningful participation of local communities and civil society in development, policy reform, accountability, transparency and inclusion.

 

 AIRTEL COMMITS US$100 MILLION TO ZAMBIA INVESTMENT, PROPOSES 10 MILLION SMARTPHONES

By Alain kabinda

LUSAKA – Airtel Zambia has committed to invest a further US$100 million in the country this year and proposed a national initiative to make 10 million additional smartphones available over the next five years to accelerate digital inclusion and economic growth.

The investment commitment comes as the telecommunications company seeks to expand network infrastructure, improve service quality and support the Government's Grow Zambia Agenda, which aims to double the economy within the next five years.

Speaking during a Grow Zambia Breakfast Meeting hosted at Airtel Zambia Airtel Zambia Managing Director Mr. Hussam Baday said the company had invested more than US$100 million in the previous year and was targeting a similar amount in the current year.

                                                    Mr. Hussam Baday

Mr Baday said the investments would support network expansion and other infrastructure development, particularly as demand for reliable connectivity and digital services continued to grow.

He said Airtel's population coverage currently stood at approximately 93 per cent, with the company targeting 96 per cent within two years through further expansion, particularly in rural areas.

He disclosed that approximately 20 per cent of Airtel's network sites were 5G-enabled, with plans to extend coverage and increase network capacity.

Mr Baday said the company's contribution to the economy went beyond telecommunications, as digital connectivity supported productivity and business growth across agriculture, mining, education, healthcare, financial services and tourism.

He identified affordable smartphones as one of the major barriers preventing citizens from fully benefiting from expanding broadband infrastructure.

Citing figures attributed to the latest Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority report, Mr Baday said Zambia had approximately 27 million telecommunications connections, of which about 12.4 million were smartphones.

He warned that maintaining the existing annual growth rate of approximately three percentage points would only raise penetration to about 60 per cent within five years, leaving a significant gap against the country's digital inclusion ambitions.

Mr Baday therefore proposed a coordinated effort involving Government, mobile network operators, financial institutions and development partners to make 10 million additional smartphones available over the next five years.

He suggested that the initiative could include making entry-level devices more affordable through consideration of tax-related measures, expanding device-financing arrangements and developing targeted programmes for low-income households, farmers and women in rural communities.

He said affordable smartphones should be treated as part of the country's digital infrastructure alongside telecommunications towers and broadband networks.

Mr. Baday also highlighted opportunities to deepen financial inclusion, noting that although national financial inclusion stood at approximately 80 per cent, access in rural areas remained significantly lower, at around 22 per cent.

He said expanding mobile money and digital financial services could help underserved communities access financial opportunities and participate more effectively in the economy.

Mr Baday said Airtel was working with UNICEF to connect 300 schools, with plans to increase the number to 500 by the end of the financial year.

He also expressed the company's readiness to support Government's digital transformation through integration with platforms such as ZamPortal and the Government Service Bus.

Meanwhile, Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati commended Airtel for its investment in telecommunications infrastructure, particularly the deployment of 407 towers during the previous year.

                                                                 Mr. Felix Mutati

Mr Mutati described the achievement as the highest number of telecommunications towers delivered in Zambia in a single year and acknowledged the company's increased tax contribution to Government revenue.

He, however, called on telecommunications operators to strengthen collaboration in developing shared infrastructure and expanding the overall market, while maintaining competition in service quality.

The Minister said competition had contributed to increased network coverage, investment and the introduction of technologies such as 5G, but collaboration was necessary to accelerate the country's digital transformation.

He stressed that the ambition of increasing broadband access to 80 per cent within five years needed to be matched by efforts to ensure that citizens could afford smartphones.

Mr Mutati said access to affordable devices would enable more people to use digital Government services, including online payment platforms, and participate in the wider digital economy.

He urged telecommunications operators to align their investment plans with national development priorities, saying the sector had a critical role in supporting economic growth, employment and productivity.

 ZAMBIA, GERMANY SEEK ICT INVESTMENT TO DRIVE US$65 BILLION ECONOMY

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA – Zambia is seeking to attract increased investment from German technology companies through stronger business partnerships aimed at accelerating digital transformation and supporting the Government's ambition of growing the economy to US$65 billion.

The push was highlighted at the Zambia–Germany ICT Business Forum, which brought together Government officials, German business delegates, representatives of the Government of Saxony and investment promotion agencies to explore opportunities in information and communication technology (ICT).

The forum focused on investment opportunities in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, innovation, data management and the development of Zambia's digital economy.

Speaking during the forum engagement Ministry of Technology and Science Minister Mr. Felix Mutati said ICT investment is critical to achieving the Government's Grow Zambia Agenda, which seeks to double the country's economy to US$65 billion over the next five years.

Mr. Mutati said digital technology was no longer confined to the telecommunications industry but had become an important driver of productivity across agriculture, mining, manufacturing, commerce and public administration.

He said achieving the economic growth ambition would require stronger national connectivity, improved public service delivery and expanded opportunities for citizens, particularly those in rural communities.

Mr. Mutati also identified five priority areas for digital transformation: trusted digital identity, interoperability, intelligence through data and artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and inclusivity.

He said a trusted digital identity system would improve the delivery of public services by reducing duplication, repeated verification and wastage while ensuring that benefits reached eligible citizens.

Mr. Mutati said Government institutions needed integrated systems that could exchange information, allowing citizens and businesses to access multiple services without repeatedly submitting the same documents.

He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence and scientific research to improve productivity, citing the application of AI in mineral exploration, including developments associated with the Mingomba copper project.

Mr. Mutati said Zambia was also prioritising digital infrastructure, revealing that the country's fibre-optic network had expanded from approximately 15,000 kilometres when the current administration assumed office to about 45,000 kilometres by the end of the previous year.

He called for further investment in mobile network coverage, fibre connectivity and reliable infrastructure to ensure that underserved communities were not excluded from the digital economy.

The Minister also identified the cost of smartphones as a barrier to digital inclusion and called for collaboration to make devices more affordable.

Mr. Mutati challenged participants to translate discussions into actual investment transactions, joint ventures and partnerships.

He called for cooperation guided by the principle of Ubuntu, emphasising that the economic progress of Zambia and its international partners should be mutually beneficial.

The Minister urged participants to ensure that tangible progress was achieved within four weeks, including partnerships and transactions that could be reported to the President.

And German Ambassador to Zambia Soenke Siemon reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Zambia's digital transformation, highlighting existing cooperation in public financial management, revenue administration and business regulation.

He cited Germany's support towards the provision of a business intelligence data warehouse for the Zambia Revenue Authority to facilitate the integration of internal data.

Other areas of cooperation include support for a digital revenue management system in Choma and beneficial ownership reforms at the Patents and Companies Registration Agency.

Mr Siemon said the private sector was central to developing the ICT industry, noting that German companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, had considerable experience and technological expertise that could benefit Zambia.

He encouraged Zambian businesses to establish partnerships with German companies, especially those from Saxony, to promote technology transfer, innovation and investment.

Meanwhile, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director General Mr. Halbert Halwampa said the forum demonstrated growing international interest in Zambia as an investment destination for technology and innovation.

Mr. Halwampa said ZDA had digitised its investment facilitation services, enabling foreign investors to apply for investment licences online without travelling to Zambia or submitting physical applications.

He said applications could be processed within hours, demonstrating how digital systems were reducing administrative barriers and improving the investment environment.

He identified policy stability, Government commitment to investment promotion, evidence-based policymaking and macroeconomic stability as important factors supporting Zambia's investment attractiveness.

However, Mr Halwampa acknowledged that access to finance and achieving financial closure remained challenges for investors.

Also, ZDA had introduced the Zambia Investment Deal Room, a digital platform designed to connect investors with potential financiers in sectors including ICT, energy, mining and agriculture.

The platform provides an opportunity for investors and financiers to engage, structure transactions and explore funding arrangements for investment projects.

Mr Halwampa also highlighted investment incentives available in the ICT sector, particularly opportunities relating to data centre development, and assured German investors of ZDA's support in accessing applicable incentives.

Representing the Government of Saxony, Marcus Franke said international partnerships were most effective when they produced practical business outcomes and opportunities for communities.

Mr. Franke highlighted the role of entrepreneurs and business leaders in strengthening cooperation between Zambia and Germany, saying private-sector initiatives could generate investment opportunities and economic benefits.

He also identified Zambia's potential to serve as a regional business and technology hub for Southern Africa.

Mr Franke expressed optimism that the partnership would create new opportunities for businesses in both countries based on equality and shared development objectives.

The Zambia–Germany ICT Business Forum comes at a time when digital infrastructure, data services, artificial intelligence and technology-driven businesses are becoming increasingly important to economic competitiveness.

For Zambia, attracting German investment could support the development of digital infrastructure, strengthen local technology businesses, improve public administration and create opportunities for skills development and employment.

The success of the engagement will ultimately depend on translating the business discussions into actual investments, technology transfer and sustainable partnerships that contribute to the country's US$65 billion economic ambition.

 AIRTEL ZAMBIA MD HUSSAM BADAY WINS CX STRATEGIC LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD

LUSAKA – Airtel Zambia Managing Director Hussam Baday has been recognised as CX Strategic Leader of the Year at the 2026 Customer Experience Excellence Awards, highlighting the growing importance of customer experience in the telecommunications industry.

The award recognises Mr Baday's leadership in advancing customer experience and strengthening the focus on customer-centred service delivery within the telecommunications sector.

The recognition also places the spotlight on Airtel Zambia's efforts to improve how customers interact with its products and services in an increasingly competitive and digitally driven telecommunications market.

Customer experience has become an important differentiating factor among telecommunications companies as consumers increasingly expect reliable connectivity, accessible digital platforms, responsive customer support and convenient service delivery.

The recognition of Mr Baday at the 2026 Customer Experience Excellence Awards comes at a time when the telecommunications industry is experiencing rapid technological changes, with digital services and mobile connectivity playing an increasingly important role in business operations and everyday life.

The award highlights the importance of strategic leadership in ensuring that customer satisfaction remains central to business growth, innovation and service delivery.

As Zambia's telecommunications market continues to evolve, customer experience is expected to remain a key consideration in attracting and retaining subscribers, building consumer confidence and strengthening brand competitiveness.

Mr Baday's recognition therefore provides an opportunity to highlight the role of leadership in shaping customer-focused business strategies and supporting the continued development of Zambia's digital economy.

 FROM 10,000MW TO ELECTRIC TRUCKS: ZAMBIA'S NEW INDUSTRIAL AMBITION

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA – Zambia's ambition to become a regional industrial and logistics powerhouse is increasingly being defined by two major economic priorities: securing reliable electricity and transforming the way goods are transported.

From a US$12 billion investment requirement to expand electricity generation and infrastructure to the introduction of fully electric commercial trucks, the country is positioning itself for an industrial transition that could reshape its mining, agriculture, construction and transport sectors.

At the centre of this ambition is the Government's target of increasing electricity generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts by 2031, a goal that reflects the growing recognition that energy is not simply a utility but the foundation of economic production.

However, as Zambia pursues this target, the introduction of electric commercial vehicles by Pilatus Engineering Company Limited, in partnership with international manufacturer SANY, presents another dimension of the country's economic transformation.

This follows at the second edition of the PowerElect Zambia International Exhibition and Conference in Lusaka, where Ministry of Energy Director Raphael Zimba provided an indication of the scale of investment required to realise the country's ambitions.

And representing the Permanent Secretary for Electricity, Mr Zimba said Zambia would need approximately US$12 billion across the entire energy value chain to achieve its 10,000MW electricity generation target.

He said the country was moving from economic stabilisation towards accelerated growth under the Government's Grow Zambia Agenda.

According to Mr Zimba, electricity generation capacity had increased from approximately 3,777MW in 2025 to about 4,777MW, representing progress towards the national target.

"We have increased our generation capacity from about 3,777 in 2025 to currently at about 4,777, so that is how we are approaching towards our 10,000 megawatts target, and we believe that it is achievable," he said.

But achieving 10,000MW will require more than constructing additional power plants. Zambia must also strengthen transmission and distribution networks to ensure that electricity reaches industries, businesses and communities efficiently.

Mr Zimba therefore called on local and international investors to explore opportunities in power generation, transmission and distribution.

He said the anticipated growth in mining and agriculture would create additional demand for electricity, providing a strong investment case for the sector.

The Government's production ambitions include 10 million tonnes of maize, three million tonnes of copper, three million tonnes of soya beans, one million tonnes of wheat and one million tonnes of sugar.

For Zambia, therefore, the 10,000MW ambition is closely connected to the broader objective of increasing production, creating employment and strengthening the country's position in regional and international markets.

For decades, the country's electricity system has relied heavily on hydropower. However, climate variability and changing weather patterns have demonstrated the risks associated with dependence on a single major energy source.

ZARENA Board Member Dr Chilala Kakoma Bowa said Zambia had entered a period of technological transformation requiring innovation beyond conventional hydropower generation.

She called for hybrid energy systems, decentralised generation and digital integration, including utility-scale solar photovoltaic installations supported by long-duration battery energy storage systems.

"Transitioning our power system is no longer a theoretical debate, it is an engineering and economic imperative," Dr Bowa said.

Her concerns reflect the growing importance of building a power system capable of responding to changing climatic conditions while meeting increasing electricity demand.

As Zambia seeks to strengthen its electricity infrastructure, the transport industry is also beginning to embrace technologies that could change how commercial businesses operate.

To this end Pilatus Engineering Company Limited has introduced SANY's diesel-powered and fully electric commercial trucks to the Zambian market, expanding the options available to businesses in mining, construction, agriculture and logistics.

Speaking at the launch, Infrastructure and Urban Development Minister Collins Nzovu said the introduction of the trucks was consistent with the Government's Grow Zambia Agenda.

He said Zambia's ambitions to produce 10 million tonnes of maize and three million tonnes of copper depended on reliable transportation systems capable of moving commodities to local and international markets.

With the country sharing borders with eight nations, Mr Nzovu said Zambia had an opportunity to become a major regional logistics and transport hub.

He identified infrastructure projects such as the Lobito Corridor as important in improving regional connectivity and opening up trade opportunities.

The Minister also encouraged the adoption of electric vehicles, saying Government was promoting cleaner transportation and had directed public institutions to consider electric vehicles in their procurement plans.

Information presented at the launch indicated that some SANY electric trucks could achieve driving ranges of up to 800 kilometres and featured rapid-charging technology.

And Pilatus Managing Director Angelika Huwiler Andersen said the company was investing in technical training, after-sales services and spare-parts availability to support customers.

She disclosed that Pilatus planned to establish a workshop in 2027, alongside a diesel laboratory and a satellite workshop on the Copperbelt.

These investments are expected to strengthen local technical support and provide the infrastructure necessary to encourage businesses to consider electric commercial vehicles. The system allows a depleted battery to be exchanged for a fully charged one at a compatible station, reducing the time vehicles spend waiting for conventional charging.

Six models were introduced to the Zambian market, including two diesel tractor heads, a heavy commercial electric truck, a light electric truck, a diesel dump truck and an electric dump truck.

Ms Andersen said SANY had deployed approximately 45,000 electric heavy trucks across 50 countries and regions.

She also cited the manufacturer's Guinness World Record distance of 817.5 kilometres achieved by a loaded electric truck as an indication of its technological capabilities.

For local transport operators, the availability of electric trucks could offer an opportunity to reconsider conventional fleet operations, although the commercial benefits will depend on vehicle prices, financing costs, electricity tariffs, charging availability and maintenance arrangements.

Meawhile Pilatus General Manager for SANY Trucks Faisal Nanavat said the company had signed Memoranda of Understanding with commercial banks operating Vehicle and Asset Finance divisions to help prospective customers access financing.

A representative of Skylark disclosed that the company was considering purchasing 10 SANY trucks as part of its fleet expansion plans while exploring a driver ownership scheme with BHL.

The country cannot achieve its industrial production targets without reliable electricity, just as increased production cannot deliver its full economic value without efficient transportation and logistics systems.

The proposed US$12 billion investment in the energy value chain and the introduction of electric commercial vehicles therefore represent complementary opportunities in the country's development journey.

However, the transition will require more than ambitious targets and technology launches. It will depend on actual investment, reliable infrastructure, affordable financing, technical skills and policies that encourage private-sector participation.

For electric mobility to become commercially viable, Zambia must also ensure that electricity supply is dependable and that charging and battery-swapping infrastructure develops alongside the growth of electric vehicle fleets.

Similarly, expanding electricity generation must be matched by investments in transmission, distribution and energy storage to ensure that increased capacity translates into reliable power for productive sectors.

For Zambia, the journey from 4,777MW towards 10,000MW is therefore about more than electricity generation. It is about building the foundation for a productive economy. And as electric trucks begin entering the country's commercial transport market, a new chapter is emerging in the relationship between energy, technology and industrial development.