- Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) PLC has urged accelerated private-sector investment in Zambia’s power sector, warning energy supply will shape copper production targets.
- Zambia needs nearly $12 billion to deliver 10GW of new generation capacity by 2030 to support mining expansion and economic growth.
At the Zambia Country Showcase during the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, Owen Silavwe, Managing Director of Copperbelt Energy Corporation PLC (CEC), called for faster private-sector investment in Zambia’s power industry. He warned that Zambia’s target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2031 depends on reliable and resilient electricity supply.
Furthermore, Silavwe said Zambia will require nearly US$12 billion in investment to add 10 gigawatts of new generation capacity by 2030. He linked mining expansion and broader economic growth directly to power availability. Without rapid growth in generation capacity, Zambia will struggle to meet its mining production targets.
In addition, he said the government has introduced reforms to attract investors into the power sector. He highlighted the introduction of open access in the electricity market. This policy allows multiple market players to use transmission infrastructure. As a result, the reform sends a strong pro-business signal to international investors. Silavwe said these steps position Zambia as a regional leader in energy sector reform.
Meanwhile, CEC continues to support mining sector energy needs. The company is developing more than 250 megawatts of renewable energy projects. It is also investing in cross-border transmission infrastructure to strengthen regional power connectivity. Through the Southern African Power Pool, CEC supports regional electricity trading and improves supply security across Southern Africa.
However, Silavwe described recent supply shortages as a catalyst for change. He said the situation has forced both public and private stakeholders to prioritise generation expansion and infrastructure modernisation. In his view, current constraints create an opportunity to redesign Zambia’s long-term energy strategy.
Silavwe said the Integrated Resource Plan provides a roadmap for aligning energy development with mining sector demand. He reaffirmed CEC’s commitment to supporting national development goals. He said the company will continue promoting innovation and mobilising private capital. Ultimately, he stressed that sustainable and long-term energy solutions will drive Zambia’s copper growth and wider economic transformation.