ERB Approves 61 Energy Applications Worth K13.4 Billion

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved 61 licence and construction permit applications representing about K13.4 billion (US$662.3 million) in proposed investment across Zambia's electricity, renewable energy and downstream petroleum subsectors.

According to a press statement dated 20 October 2026, the approvals were granted at the ERB Licensing Committee meeting held on 14 October. They cover 48 initial and renewal licences, nine construction permits and four amendments to petroleum transportation licences.

Electricity accounted for the largest share of proposed investment. The ERB listed a proposed 150 MW coal-fired power plant in Ndola, a 125 MWp solar plant in Mufulira and the 120 MWp Kasama Solar PV Power Plant, along with solar projects at Chikuni and Rusangu in Monze, Mwandi and Chadiza, and expanded electricity distribution in the Chambishi Multi-Facility Economic Zone in Kalulushi.

In petroleum, the approvals cover transportation, distribution, imports and exports, lubricants and LPG retail, which the ERB said supports the move to cleaner cooking. They also include proposed fuel stations in Chongwe, Ndola and Chibombo, and extra tankers to strengthen the fuel supply chain.

The ERB said the approvals show "sustained investor confidence" in the sector and that it remains committed to "transparent, efficient and predictable licensing processes."