The Zambian government has urged members of the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP) to prioritise Africa’s “Mission 300 Journey,” an initiative aimed at transforming the continent’s energy sector and expanding electricity access.
The appeal was made on March 12, 2026, during the opening of the 66th SAPP Management Committee Meeting at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, where regional energy officials gathered to discuss power market cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of Zambia’s Energy Minister, Permanent Secretary for Electricity Eng. Arnold Simwaba called on delegates to intensify efforts toward achieving the programme’s five key pillars designed to strengthen Africa’s power sector.
The Mission 300 strategy focuses on expanding least-cost electricity generation, strengthening regional power markets, promoting last-mile electricity access, increasing private sector participation and improving the financial health of utilities.
Simwaba noted that many regional utilities continue to struggle with financial and operational challenges that undermine energy sector progress.
He cited persistent problems such as high distribution losses, infrastructure theft, vandalism and operational inefficiencies, which collectively cost utilities millions of dollars annually.
The official said addressing these issues would require innovative technical solutions, stronger regulatory enforcement and coordinated regional frameworks to improve utility performance and attract financing.
He also urged member states to develop fiscal policies that encourage renewable energy investments as part of efforts to diversify the region’s energy mix.
Simwaba warned that heavy reliance on hydropower exposes the region to climate-related risks and stressed the need for integrated renewable energy planning.
He added that Zambia was working with regional stakeholders to harmonise taxes, duties and levies affecting cross-border electricity trade, a move aimed at strengthening integration within the SAPP power market.