By Jane Chanda
Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) chief executive officer Elvin Nasilele says the announced 300-megawatt coal-powered power project launch at Maamba is a significant step towards addressing the country’s energy challenges and promoting economic growth.
Last week, Commerce, Trade and Industry minister Chipoka Mulenga announced plans to launch the 300-megawatt coal-powered power project in Maamba, Sinazongwe district, Southern Province.
The power project is aimed at tackling Zambia’s ongoing electricity shortage, which currently stood at a deficit of 700 megawatts, significantly impacting households, businesses in terms of reducing the gap in electricity supply, while supporting the country’s economy.
Speaking to Daily Revelation on Wednesday, Nasilele said the initiative aligned with the country’s broader vision of diversifying the electricity subsector, reducing reliance on hydropower and ensuring a more stable and sustainable energy supply.
He said a reliable power supply was essential for fostering business growth, attracting investment and supporting industrialisation efforts, all of which were crucial for driving Zambia’s economic growth, and that by increasing energy capacity and diversifying energy sources, the project could help achieve the stated goals, while also creating job opportunities.
Asked about the project’s potential environmental impact, Nasilele said, “In this regard, we are encouraged to note that the government shares our commitment to sustainability. With advancements in technology, there is a significant opportunity to mitigate these concerns effectively.”
He highlighted modern innovations such as high-efficiency, low-emission systems, carbon capture and storage, and advanced pollution control mechanisms, which he said offered solutions to minimise the project’s environmental footprint while maximising energy output.
Nasilele said as the voice of the private sector, ZACCI could advocate for policies that promoted local content, community benefits and skills development.
“We can also collaborate with government and private sector stakeholders to identify and address any barriers that local businesses might face in participating in the project,” he said.
Nasilele further noted that the project’s success would depend on the government’s commitment towards implementing robust local content policies, creating employment opportunities and investing in skills development programs.
He emphasised that the government needed to adopt policies that prioritised the involvement of Zambian businesses in the project’s procurement and supply chains.
“Government should invest in skills development programs that equip local workers with the necessary technical and vocational skills to participate in the project effectively,” said Nasilele.
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