As Zambia faces one of the most severe energy crises in its history, the nation is grappling with the consequences of climate change and overreliance on hydroelectric power. Businesses are faltering, families are struggling, and the economy is in jeopardy. In this article, we explore the factors behind Zambia’s power shortages, the broader implications for the country, and potential solutions to mitigate the ongoing crisis.
The Kariba Dam, one of the largest man-made lakes by volume in the world, lies on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. For decades, it has been the backbone of Zambia’s energy infrastructure, providing over 80% of the country’s electricity through hydroelectric generation. However, persistent droughts, exacerbated by climate change and natural phenomena such as El Niño, have brought the Kariba hydroelectric station to its knees.
Water levels in the dam have plummeted to historic lows, leaving only one of the six turbines on Zambia’s side operational. As a result, the country is generating less than 10% of its typical energy output. Zambia’s overreliance on Kariba is now threatening the stability of the nation, as millions of Zambians are left without power for extended periods, often days at a time.
The power crisis has hit small businesses especially hard. Entrepreneurs like Tindor Sikunyongana, who runs a welding business, have resorted to using costly diesel generators to keep their operations afloat. However, as diesel prices soar, this solution is neither sustainable nor affordable for many.
At local cafes, like Mercato Café in Lusaka, residents and business owners alike gather—not for the food or coffee, but for electricity. The café, equipped with its own diesel generator, has become a haven for those needing to charge devices or, in extreme cases, haul entire desktop computers to get work done. For entrepreneurs such as Edla Musonda, the café’s power supply is a lifeline for her small travel business.
The crisis extends beyond businesses. Families across Zambia are facing difficult adjustments as mothers struggle to cook meals and children are forced to complete homework by candlelight. Zambia’s ongoing energy shortfall is contributing to increased poverty, exacerbating an already fragile economic situation.
Zambia’s energy crisis is not an isolated incident but rather a warning for the entire continent. Climate change is disproportionately affecting African nations, with severe droughts and extreme weather becoming more frequent. Africa contributes the least to global warming, yet it bears the brunt of its consequences, as the financial burden of adapting to these changes is immense for low-income nations.
Hydroelectric power accounts for 17% of Africa’s energy generation, and that figure is projected to rise to 23% by 2040, according to the International Energy Agency. In several African nations—including Mozambique, Malawi, and Uganda—hydroelectricity makes up over 80% of the energy mix. Experts warn, however, that hydroelectric power is becoming increasingly unreliable due to changing climate patterns.
Zambia’s drought-induced power issues have occurred before, and they are only worsening with time. As extreme weather becomes more common, the dangers of relying too heavily on hydroelectric power are becoming evident. As Carlos Lopes, a professor at the Mandela School of Public Governance, pointed out, “Extreme weather patterns, including prolonged droughts, make it clear that overreliance on hydro is no longer sustainable.”
In response to the crisis, the Zambian government has called for an embrace of solar power. Solar energy is a promising alternative, especially given Zambia’s abundant sunshine. However, many Zambians cannot afford the upfront costs of installing solar panels, and the government itself has had to rely on diesel generators to keep essential services such as hospitals running.
While solar power presents a long-term solution, the transition will not happen overnight. Zambia must work to diversify its energy sources while also providing financial support to those who cannot afford renewable energy technologies.
The impact of the energy crisis on Zambia’s economy is profound. Trevor Hambayi, a prominent economist, has warned that the country could face a dramatic economic contraction if the crisis continues. This energy shortage is causing more damage than the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, as it threatens the productivity of the small and medium enterprises that form the backbone of Zambia’s economy.
Manufacturers are also feeling the pressure. Ashu Sagar, president of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers, expressed concern that without reliable power, industries could grind to a halt, leading to widespread unemployment and economic instability. As Zambia’s energy needs grow, the pressure to find sustainable and reliable power sources intensifies.
The future of Zambia’s energy sector lies in its ability to adapt and diversify. Hydroelectric power, once seen as a panacea, is proving to be unsustainable in a rapidly changing climate. While solar power offers a viable alternative, there are still significant hurdles to overcome, such as cost, infrastructure, and scalability.
In the short term, Zambia may have to rely on coal-fired power plants to bridge the gap, though this comes at the expense of increasing carbon emissions. However, a long-term strategy focused on solar and wind energy, alongside investments in energy efficiency and grid resilience, is essential.
Zambia’s ongoing energy crisis is a clear illustration of the risks associated with overreliance on hydroelectric power in an era of climate change. As droughts worsen and water levels at Kariba Dam continue to fall, the need for energy diversification becomes increasingly urgent. Solar power offers a way forward, but without widespread adoption and government support, the road to recovery will be long and arduous.
