• The World Bank approved $200 million via IDA for Zambia’s energy programme ASCENT.

• The project aims to bring reliable electricity to over 1 million Zambians within 5 years.

• Zambia is accelerating off-grid alternatives like solar mini-grids to cut dependence on hydropower.

The World Bank approved a $200 million grant for Zambia on July 28 through its International Development Association (IDA). The funding will support the 13ᵗʰ phase of the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) programme.

The project aims to provide reliable and sustainable electricity to over one million Zambians within five years. It will focus on electrifying remote rural areas, improving energy access for businesses, and ensuring affordable power across the country.

Zambia depends heavily on hydroelectricity. However, frequent droughts often cripple this energy source, triggering recurring power cuts. To tackle this vulnerability, authorities are ramping up investments in alternative energy sources.

“We are excited to embark on this new phase and look forward to the positive impact it will have on local communities," said Yadviga Viktorivna Semikolenova, World Bank Practice Manager for Energy for Eastern and Southern Africa.

To diversify energy sources, Zambia has embraced off-grid solutions. In June 2025, a public-private partnership began building 43 solar mini-grids. These installations are expected to power nearly 100,000 people in isolated rural areas.

Electricity access remains unequal across Zambia. In 2023, only 53.6% of the population had access to electricity. Urban coverage reached 80.3%, while rural areas lagged behind at just 34.9%, according to the National Energy Compact.

The ASCENT programme seeks to bridge this gap. Alongside infrastructure, it will introduce new technologies and train local communities to manage and maintain energy systems.

This article was initially published in French by Ingrid Haffiny (intern)

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum