Government courts private sector investment in power sector

CONRAD MWANGO

Lusaka

GOVERNMENT is counting on private sector investment to help Zambia achieve its target of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity by 2031, Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati has said.

Mr Mutati urged investors to engage Government whenever they encounter obstacles that can delay or undermine their investments, as collaboration is key to achieving the country’s energy ambitions.

Speaking during the 20th anniversary celebration of Zambia Energy Corporation (Zam-En) on Saturday, Mr Mutati said President Hakainde Hichilema is committed to removing bureaucratic barriers and prioritising results.

“As we move to grow Zambia, the President has said we need to grow our electricity generation to 10,000 megawatts by 2031, and so we will be looking to a number of investors to make significant contributions to that,” he said.

Mr Mutati said the private sector should maintain open communication with Government to ensure that challenges affecting investment are addressed promptly.

He said achieving the objectives of the Grow Zambia Agenda requires collective responsibility, urging citizens and stakeholders to combine their efforts towards national development.

Mr Mutati said the Ministry of Technology and Science is also prioritising the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support the country’s development ambitions.

He said Government wants to harness the benefits of emerging technologies while ensuring that associated risks are properly managed.

Mr Mutati said technological innovation, private sector participation and effective collaboration will be important in driving economic growth and improving the country’s development prospects. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home