The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has invested more than K167 million in rural electrification projects across Zambia’s Northern Province between 2023 and 2026, marking a major step towards expanding electricity access in underserved communities. The investment forms part of Government’s broader effort to improve rural infrastructure and create conditions that support economic and social development. Electricity access can transform communities by improving services in schools and health facilities while supporting businesses, agriculture and household activities. REA’s programme is therefore expected to deliver benefits that extend beyond simply connecting homes and public institutions to the national electricity network. The scale of the investment also highlights the importance of rural electrification in Zambia’s development and energy access agenda.
REA Chief Executive Officer Alex Mbumba said the investment covers a broad range of infrastructure and renewable energy projects designed to meet the needs of rural communities. The programme includes 17 grid development projects, three solar mini-grid projects, three bio-digester projects and eight solar-for-health installations. These interventions are intended to improve access to reliable electricity for households, schools, health facilities, public institutions and traditional leaders. Speaking during a recent courtesy call on Northern Province Acting Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi-Phiri, Mbumba explained that the authority is working to expand electricity access through different technologies and infrastructure models. The combination of grid extensions and renewable energy solutions provides opportunities to reach communities that may be difficult to connect through conventional electricity infrastructure.
Mbumba said 10 of the grid development projects have already been completed and technically commissioned in several districts across Northern Province. Two additional projects are expected to be completed during 2026, while another four projects are scheduled to commence in 2027. The progress demonstrates that the rural electrification programme is moving through different stages of implementation, with completed projects already providing infrastructure that can support new connections. The authority is also working with Government, Zesco Limited and cooperating partners to accelerate the delivery of electricity to rural communities. This cooperation is intended to ensure that communities can benefit from subsidy programmes and infrastructure investments designed to make electricity access more affordable and sustainable.
The completed projects are spread across several districts, including Nsama, Mbala, Luwingu, Kasama, Lunte, Mpulungu, Kaputa and Senga Hill. Expanding infrastructure across these districts is important because many rural communities face challenges related to distance, terrain and limited existing electricity networks. By extending the grid and introducing alternative energy solutions, REA can reach areas that have historically had limited access to reliable power. The projects also have the potential to improve the delivery of essential public services by providing electricity to institutions that serve large rural populations. Continued investment in these areas could contribute to more balanced development between urban centres and remote communities.
The electrification programme is expected to benefit more than 24,755 people through 4,951 new electricity connections. The beneficiaries include households as well as important public facilities that provide essential services to local communities. The projects will connect 18 schools, six rural health centres, one district hospital, eight public institutions and five traditional palaces. Electricity in schools can support lighting, digital learning tools and other educational resources, while reliable power in health facilities can improve the operation of medical equipment and essential services. Connections to public institutions and traditional palaces can also strengthen local administration and community engagement.
The programme is also contributing to Zambia’s wider efforts to increase electricity connections through national energy initiatives. Under the National Energy Advancement and Transformation (NEAT) Programme, REA and Zesco had verified 1,438 new electricity connections in Northern Province by May this year. A further 369 connections were achieved through the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) Programme. These figures show how multiple programmes are being used to expand access and support the Government’s broader energy objectives. Combining grid infrastructure with targeted connection programmes can help ensure that completed electrification projects translate into actual household and institutional access to electricity.
The electrification of Mukupa Katandula in Kaputa District has been highlighted as a particularly important achievement for Northern Province. Acting Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi-Phiri described the project as a landmark development that could transform livelihoods and create new economic opportunities for communities in the area. The project was delivered despite logistical difficulties associated with reaching one of the region’s more remote locations. Its significance extends beyond providing electricity to the traditional leadership structure because surrounding communities are also expected to benefit from the infrastructure. Improved electricity access can create opportunities for small businesses, communication services, food processing and other economic activities that depend on reliable power.
The Mukupa Katandula project also illustrates the broader role that electricity infrastructure can play in rural economic development. When communities gain access to dependable power, entrepreneurs can operate equipment for longer periods and introduce services that were previously difficult or impossible to provide. Schools and health facilities can improve their operating conditions, while households can gain access to safer and more efficient forms of lighting and energy. Electricity can also support agricultural value chains by enabling activities such as refrigeration, processing and storage where appropriate infrastructure and markets exist. These potential benefits make rural electrification an important part of efforts to reduce development gaps and expand economic participation in remote areas.
Northern Province also has considerable potential to contribute to Zambia’s future electricity supply because of its abundant water resources and waterfalls. Undi-Phiri said the province’s natural resources could support power generation and contribute to the country’s long-term energy security. Government has set a target of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity, alongside increased investment in renewable energy. Achieving greater generation capacity could help Zambia respond to growing electricity demand while reducing pressure on existing power supplies. Developing renewable energy resources alongside grid expansion could also support a more diversified electricity system and improve the country’s ability to meet future energy needs.
The focus on renewable energy within the rural electrification programme is particularly important for communities where conventional grid expansion may be costly or technically challenging. Solar mini-grids can provide electricity to areas that are far from existing transmission and distribution infrastructure, while solar installations at health facilities can help strengthen essential services. Bio-digester projects can also support alternative energy solutions while making productive use of organic waste. These technologies can complement traditional grid development rather than replace it, giving authorities more options for connecting communities. The combination of different technologies could help Zambia accelerate progress towards wider electricity access while supporting its renewable energy ambitions.
REA’s investment in Northern Province also demonstrates the connection between energy infrastructure and broader socio-economic development. Reliable electricity can support education, healthcare, public administration and private enterprise, making it an important foundation for rural development. The expected 4,951 new connections will provide direct benefits to thousands of people while the wider infrastructure could support additional development around connected communities. Government agencies, Zesco, cooperating partners and local communities will all have roles to play in ensuring that these investments produce lasting benefits. Effective maintenance, affordable connections and productive use of electricity will remain important as more rural areas gain access.
The more than K167 million invested by REA between 2023 and 2026 represents a significant commitment to improving electricity access across Northern Province. With 10 grid projects already completed, two expected to be completed this year and four more planned for 2027, the programme is continuing to expand its reach. The additional solar mini-grid, bio-digester and solar-for-health projects further strengthen the range of solutions available to rural communities. The expected benefits for more than 24,755 people show the direct impact that targeted infrastructure investment can have on households and public services. As Zambia continues working towards greater energy security and a 10,000-megawatt generation target, Northern Province’s resources and rural electrification projects could play an important role in supporting the country’s long-term economic growth.