Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Siazongo Siakalenge, officiated the Phase One inauguration of Puma Energy’s Lusaka depot storage expansion, marking a major step in Zambia’s energy infrastructure development.
Mr. Siakalenge commended Puma Energy for investing 13 million United States Dollars to increase the depot’s storage capacity from 3.4 million liters to 9.2 million liters by the completion of Phase 1B in December 2025. He noted that the expansion will enhance fuel supply security and contribute to broader economic growth.
The Deputy Secretary emphasized the importance of government-private sector collaboration in maintaining fuel supply, highlighting that Zambia now achieves 100 percent private sector participation in petroleum product importation. He added that this investment will help resolve critical bottlenecks, enabling an annual product turnover of 292.8 million liters after Phase 2.
Puma Energy CEO Mark Russell highlighted the company’s commitment to Zambia’s energy security and economic development. He described the depot expansion as a milestone in creating a resilient energy future and emphasized the company’s broader mission of energizing communities to drive economic growth.
Russell also stressed regional collaboration to strengthen supply chains, suggesting alternatives such as the Lobito Corridor in Angola and the port of Walvis Bay in Namibia to mitigate constraints. He reaffirmed Puma Energy’s commitment to partnering with government and private sector players to address supply chain inefficiencies and support Zambia’s energy and economic development goals.
The Lusaka depot expansion signals a strategic boost to the country’s energy infrastructure, strengthening fuel security and positioning Zambia for sustained economic growth.