Rural Electricity Access Rises to 33% as Government Steps Up Energy Investments

By Anthony Chomba,

The Government says access to electricity in rural areas has increased to 33 percent in 2025, up from 8 percent recorded in 2021, following sustained efforts to improve energy supply and security.

Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary for Electricity, Arnold Simwaba, attributed the rise to deliberate government interventions aimed at expanding electricity infrastructure and enhancing energy access across the country.

Mr. Simwaba said this in a speech delivered on his behalf by Ministry of Energy Director of Energy, Mafayo Ziba, during the launch of the Guidelines for Conducting Gender Impact Assessments of Energy Infrastructure Projects in Lusaka.

He explained that the newly launched guidelines are intended to promote equal opportunities for both men and women in employment, benefit sharing, and leadership within the energy sector, while ensuring that energy projects are inclusive and socially responsive.

The Permanent Secretary noted that integrating gender considerations in energy infrastructure development is key to achieving sustainable and equitable growth in the sector.