- Egypt’s Ambassador to Zambia met with Energy Minister Makozo Chikote to discuss cooperation in electricity generation, renewables, and energy infrastructure investment.
- Zambia invited Egyptian investors to explore opportunities, including the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme, as it seeks to address its energy deficit.
The Ambassador of Egypt to Zambia, Mayada Essam Abdelrahman, has held talks with Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, at the Ministry of Energy headquarters in Lusaka, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.
The discussions centred on strengthening relations between both countries through collaboration in electricity generation, renewable energy development, and infrastructure investment. The Ambassador was accompanied by Ms Mariam Sakr, Political and Economic Officer at the Egyptian Embassy.
A key highlight of the meeting was Egypt’s expressed interest in the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme, a major hydropower initiative being jointly developed by Zambia and Zimbabwe along the Zambezi River. The project is expected to significantly boost regional power supply once completed.
Minister Chikote urged Egyptian investors to explore Zambia’s energy market. He noted that Zambia continues to face an energy deficit. Rising demand and climate-related pressures on hydropower have worsened the situation. Therefore, he called for strategic foreign investment to expand generation capacity. He also said stronger energy partnerships would deepen diplomatic ties between both countries.
Arnold Simwaba, Permanent Secretary for Electricity, also attended the meeting.
The engagement highlights growing South–South cooperation in energy development. African countries are seeking diversified financing and technical partnerships. They aim to meet rising electricity demand and accelerate renewable energy expansion across the continent.