Solar Roundtable Event: Event page photo
Zambia's distributed solar roundtable
The International Growth Centre (IGC) and the Ministry of Energy (MoE) co-host a high-level roundtable exploring how distributed solar solutions can expand electricity access in Zambia.
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IGC Distributed Solar Roundtable (Agenda).pdf
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The roundtable brings together senior representatives from government, the private sector, and development partners to explore how distributed solar can strengthen Zambia’s electricity access landscape. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Energy and the International Growth Centre (IGC), the event examines the growing role of both residential and commercial solar adoption in the context of ongoing load-shedding and Zambia’s broader efforts to build a more resilient and diversified energy mix.
The discussions centre on three interconnected themes, improving affordability and financing models, strengthening information dissemination and consumer protection, and integrating distributed solar within national grid and policy planning. Participants reflect on evidence from the 2023 National Energy Access Survey (NEAS) and new research on household and firm-level adoption, highlighting both the opportunities and the coordination challenges ahead.
Session 1
Session I explores the residential adoption of distributed solar, noting that Solar Home Systems (SHS) are vital for extending energy access where grid coverage remains low. Most systems support only basic needs such as lighting and phone charging but still improve safety, study, and work conditions. Discussions focus on raising awareness, strengthening product standards, aligning finance with rural income cycles, and integrating off-grid solar into wider rural development.
Session 2
Session II examines commercial adoption, highlighting that Zambia’s expanding solar capacity complements hydropower, yet unreliable supply continues to drive firms towards diesel. Participants discuss incentives, net metering, and financing mechanisms to encourage business uptake while ensuring coordinated grid integration and directing finance where solar can most effectively replace diesel use.
Session 3
Session III addresses policy and data challenges, emphasising the importance of consumer protection, quality standards, and financing suited to agricultural income patterns. Participants stress improved communication, data collection, and clearer interconnection rules to support rural and rooftop systems, with the REA seeking to balance grid, mini-grid, and SHS deployment to maximise impact.