The Zambian and Swedish governments have officially launched the Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) project, designed to promote energy efficiency interventions that support sustainable and inclusive industrialisation in Zambia.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga described the project as a timely initiative given the country’s ongoing loadshedding challenges. He highlighted that improving energy efficiency is critical to supporting industrial growth and ensuring stable power supply for businesses and communities.
Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Johan Hallenborg said the project is valued at 5.2 million euros over four years. The initiative is funded by the Swedish government and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The project will be carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Energy (MOE), the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI), the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), and other relevant stakeholders. EELA aims to introduce energy-efficient technologies, promote best practices in industrial energy management, and build local capacity to sustain energy-efficient operations across sectors.
The collaboration underscores Zambia’s commitment to industrial development while addressing energy challenges and aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive growth through efficient energy use.