Government denies Zesco involvement in DRC power export, dismisses middlemen claims

Chikote argued that these businesses are operating within legal and regulatory frameworks, and warned against attempts to paint them as exploitative or part of a corrupt system.

“They are not intermediaries selling power to Zesco. They operate independently and contribute to the broader regional power market,” he said.

The minister also addressed speculation that Zesco is buying electricity through middlemen inflated rates, stressing that the national utility deals directly with regional suppliers, such as Eskom (South Africa), EDM (Mozambique), ZESA (Zimbabwe), and through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

On the issue of ongoing power exports, he acknowledged that Zambia had been sending electricity to neighbouring countries earlier in the year.

However, he noted that export volumes have been drastically reduced in response to the domestic power shortage.

According to Chikote, Zesco cut back exports from a high of 520 megawatts in March 2024 to around 150 megawatts currently.

He emphasised that many of these export contracts were signed years before the current crisis began, and in some cases, are linked to financing agreements or power generation projects inherited from the previous administration.

“These contracts were not created overnight, many are tied to loans Zesco acquired or to infrastructure projects that benefit Zambia in the long run,” he explained.

“Namibia, which was previously receiving 180 megawatts, is now getting just 50. Similarly, Zimbabwe and Botswana have seen their allocations reduced to below 50 megawatts each.”

Chikote defended the decision to maintain reduced exports, saying that the revenue generated is helping to fund emergency imports needed to stabilise the grid.

He also underlined Zambia’s obligations under the Southern African Power Pool, noting that sudden withdrawal from regional power-sharing agreements would isolate the country and cut it off from critical import routes.

“If we walk away from these agreements, we lose access to power when we need it most. This is a regional system, and cooperation is essential,” he added.

Chikote further assured the nation that government has put in place strategic measures to improve electricity supply and expressed optimism that as new initiatives take effect, Zambians will begin to see an easing of the power crisis.