CCG in Zambia

Overview

The Zambia CCG Network began in October 2022 as CCG’s third partner country network, with the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies of the University of Zambia (UNZA) leading as the institutional partner in the county. Through the Zambia country network, the CCG programme collaborates with key policymakers in Zambia, along with leading domestic researchers from Zambian academic institutions.

In Zambia, we aim to empower the Government of the Republic of Zambia to devise and implement inclusive, low-emission, resilient economic policy. To reach this goal, we conduct a range of research and collaboration outputs, including co-creation workshops and capacity building events. To see more details about our activities, read more below.

Latest News

The latest news is that three workshops took place in November 2024:

Advancing Climate Compatible Growth in Zambia through Collaborative Review

Strengthening the Investment Landscape for Climate-Compatible Growth in Zambia

Launching the Chibombo District PACE project

There is a short report on a CLEWs Workshop which you can read here.

You can read a report of the Critical Minerals and Land Use Governance Dialogue here.

There is also a recent blog by Clement Sichimwa which you can read here.

The Zambia CCG Network Special interest Groups

The Zambia CCG Network is made up of Special Interest Groups (SIGs), which are populated by a group of country and CCG experts (academia, government, development banks, among others) that have a defined interest and/or expertise on a theme relevant to CCG research, and together, each SIG works collaboratively. The aim of a SIG is to catalyse a collaborative community of practice and identify areas of policy or innovation that could be bolstered by CCG resources and/or capacity.

The Zambia CCG Network currently contains five SIGs:

SIG 1: Financing Low-Emission Futures in Zambia

To bolster both public and private investment into green policy implementation, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) is strengthening its fiscal policy and public finance management by enhancing domestic resource mobilisation, increasing efficiency of public expenditure, avoiding the accumulation of arrears, and improving fiscal transparency. This SIG seeks to work with Zambian stakeholders to identify and leverage economic opportunities associated with Zambia’s green growth agenda.

Outputs:

Report: Mobilising investment for climate-compatible growth through Zambia’s Constituency Development Fund (CDF)
Engagement: Workshop entitled “Mobilising investment for climate-compatible growth through Zambia’s CDF”

Current Activities: Led by The Copperbelt University, an ongoing CCG Flexible Research Fund (FRF) project aims to develop a PyPSA model of the Zambia energy system that will inform analysis of the resulting potential economic opportunities. These can then inform implementation plans for the Green Growth Strategy, bridging dialogue between the energy and finance sectors.

Similarly, a second FRF project, led by UNZA will build a computable general equilibrium (CGE) green growth model for Zambia to calibrate energy transitions, strategies and policies and assess their impacts on macroeconomic aggregates. This project will output accompanying policy recommendations on Green Growth Strategy Implementation.

The third FRF research project is developing a report on the potential benefits of increased private sector investment in climate-compatible projects in Zambia and what trade-offs might arise from such investments.

Finally, an ongoing research project focussing on Zambia’s CDF as a mechanism to promote investment into low-emission development projects will deliver a second report, outlining specific modalities for external funding for CDF projects.

SIG Members:

University of Oxford; Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR); University of Zambia (UNZA); University of Edinburgh; Southern African Institute for Policy and Research; The Copperbelt University (CBU); TU Offenburg; Lloyds Financials Ltd, Lusaka City Council; Kukula Capital

SIG 2: Low-Emission Transport Scenarios

The Zambian government is actively pursuing a plan to decarbonize the transport sector, recognising the environmental and economic benefits of transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable transportation options. To achieve this, the government is promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), improving public transportation infrastructure, and investment in renewable energy sources to power EVs. Additionally, measures such as fuel efficiency standards and the promotion of non-motorized transportation modes like cycling and walking are being encouraged. This SIG will explore inclusive low-emission transport scenarios for Zambia.

Outputs:

Data: Zambia Transport Energy Database (ZTED)
Policy Brief: Models for energy and transport policymaking in Zambia
Co-Creation: Workshop on “Developing a Transport Energy Database for Zambia”
Engagement: Project launch workshop on the Flexible Research Fund project “Low carbon transport futures in Zambia: enhancing sustainable transport in Lusaka” Models for energy and transport policymaking in Zambia

Current Activities: There are currently two ongoing FRF projects within this SIG, both aiming to develop low-emission transport scenarios for Lusaka, with a focus on non-motorised transport options.

One, led by ZIPAR, will place a particular emphasis on socially inclusive scenarios, leading into a non-motorised transport action plan developed in close consultation with the Ministry of Transport that is accompanied with proposed sources of finance.

The other, led by WRI, will place a greater focus on the emissions projections associated with various scenarios. Outputs from both projects, in addition to previous efforts to develop the ZTED, have the potential to feed into WESM efforts within the ‘Energy System Scenarios for Zambia’ SIG and the associated policy-facing dialogues between the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Transport.

SIG members: University of Oxford; ZIPAR; Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP); World Resource Institute (WRI) Africa; Transport for Cairo; Smart Solutions Ltd; Zambia Road Safety Trust.

SIG 3: Energy System Scenarios for Zambia

Zambia currently possesses 2,800 MW of installed electricity generation capacity, with 85% of it being hydro-based. However, only 43% of the national population has access to electricity, with a significant urban-rural disparity. The GRZ aims to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, recognizing energy as a crucial driver of social and economic development. Diversifying Zambia’s energy mix has become a key priority, with cases of climate change-induced disruptions to rainfall patterns increasingly leading to extensive load shedding during the dry season across the country. Consequently, the GRZ also plans to place a strong focus on incorporating increased solar, hydro, and thermal power sources through the participation of both state-owned and private sector entities. This SIG aims to support these efforts by strengthening energy system modelling capacity within policy-making institutions and increasing the evidence base for various energy transition scenarios.

Outputs:

Co-creation: scoping workshop on the development of a Zambian whole energy system model (WESM) using OSeMOSYS beyond a 2030 horizon
Training: training workshops delivered to government energy planners and Zambia academics on OSeMOSYS modelling
Process: collaborative research project in the integration of the modelling tools OSeMOSYS and Antares with CIGZ
Training: co-delivery of training workshop on “Influencing decision making and policy” with government planners and Zambian academics
Co-creation: co-creation of policy scenarios for low-emission energy planning through key informant interviews and engagement workshops

Current Activities: CCG is currently delivering training on the OSeMOSYS modelling tool to government and academic planners in collaboration with Cities and infrastructure for Growth Zambia (CIGZ). This training will continue over the next 12-18 months to co-create a Zambia OSeMOSYS model with the GRZ that represents future dynamics of the power, transport, and cooking sector in Zambia, beyond 2030. As the model develops from a power system model, other relevant line ministries will be brought into the dialogue. Importantly, the Ministry of Energy plans to form an “Energy Planning Unit” with the support of CIGZ. CCG is currently working closely with CIGZ to supports modellers will be working within the GRZ’s Energy Planning Unit in future.

SIG members: Tec Analytics Ltd; University of Energy and Natural Resources; TU Delft; CIGZambia; The Ministry of Energy; ZIPAR; University College London; University of Oxford

SIG 4: Decentralised Energy Planning

The newly approved Decentralisation Implementation Plan marks a significant step forward by extending decentralisation to the district level within Zambia. While individual Sector Devolution Plans have already begun devolving sectors like health and education, an energy-specific plan is currently in development. These initiatives not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also foster social inclusion. In this context, decentralisation of the energy system brings forth numerous advantages. It allows for tailored, locally responsive energy solutions that address the unique needs of various communities, which is crucial for social inclusion. This SIG engages a variety of stakeholder groups to consider the potential frameworks for inclusive decentralised energy planning in Zambia.

You can read about the recent workshop in April 2024 here.

Outputs:

Co-creation: Scoping workshop with key stakeholders on the opportunities and barriers to decentralised energy planning in Zambia
Policy brief: The Status of Power Sector Decentralisation in Zambia

Current Activities: One Southern Partnership Fund (SPF) project exists within this SIG. The research team is carrying out a review of existing relevant policies, conducting semi-structured key-informant interviews and mapping economic growth priorities in several case study districts. Information gathered will then be synthesised to identify gaps and opportunities for improvements within the current system. From here, a series of SIG workshop activities will collaboratively identify the minimum viable data needs for effective and bankable district level planning.

SIG members: UNZA; University of Oxford; Lusaka City Council; The Ministry of Energy; ZIPAR; Decentralisation Secretariat

SIG 5: Clean Cooking

Charcoal has been a major source of cooking fuel in Zambia, leading to extensive deforestation as trees are cut down for charcoal production. To mitigate this environmental impact, clean cooking policies in Zambia can encourage the use of more sustainable and efficient cooking technologies, such as improved cookstoves and alternative fuels like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and biogas. By promoting the adoption of these cleaner alternatives, the government aims to decrease the demand for charcoal and, in turn, reduce the pressure on Zambia’s forests, ultimately helping to curb emissions from deforestation. To this end, the GRZ is currently developing its clean cooking strategy and action plan (CCSAP) in collaboration with USAID. This SIG’s activities seek to increase the evidence base in support the implementation of these policies.

Current Activities: The FRF-funded project ‘Energy System Chef – The energy system implications of transitions to clean cooking in Zambia’, led by UNZA (IO3) will explore the energy system implications of mass adoption of e-cooking and develop a road map for a just clean cooking transition in Zambia. By focussing on modelling the potential emissions reductions associated with increased adoption of clean cooking technologies, the outputs of this project will support WESM activities within the ‘Energy System Scenarios for Zambia’ SIG (IO4). Following SIG discussions at the 2023 Zambia Annual Workshop, the project team will work closely with the USAID’s A2C team program to support the clean cooking strategy and action plan (CCSAP).

SIG members: USAID, UNZA, Open Energy Transition UK, Alternatives to Charcoal (A2C), Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS)

The Zambia CCG Network Team

Zambia-based:

Dr Kabwe Mubanga
(kabwe.mubanga@live.com)

Kabwe Mubanga holds a PhD in Environment and Society from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. He is a lecturer at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and serves as a climate change specialist under the National Technical Committee for Climate Change and a climate change negotiator for Zambia. He sits on the Adaptation and Means of Implementation and Disaster Management sub-committees for Zambia. Kabwe is also a Director at the Centre for Climate Change Policy and Integrated Research (CCCPiR).

Mr Clement Sichimwa
(csichimwa@gmail.com)

Clement Sichimwa is a lecturer and researcher, with an MSc in Environmental Ecology and pursuing a PhD in Tourism Management. His research interests include Tourism, Gender, and Climate Change. Nearing completion of his PhD at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, Clement is excited to be supporting research efforts with the Climate Compatible Growth programme. Read Clement’s blog from October 2024 here.

UK-based (Centre for Global Equality and University of Cambridge)

Dr Beth Tennyson elizabeth.tennyson@centreforglobalequality.org
Dr Kirsty Mackinlay kirsty.mackinlay@centreforglobalequality.org
Dr Lara Allen [profile]

Latest Publications

TRANSITION PATHWAYS TOWARDS INCLUSIVE CLIMATE-COMPATIBLE GROWTH: MODELLING, FUTURES, AND DECISION-MAKING IN ZAMBIA – TRAP-ZM which you can read here.

THE ZAMBIA REPORT SERIES

This three-part report series offers an in-depth exploration of Zambia’s energy system, focusing on its current status, the pathways for transitioning to a low-carbon future, and the broader economic role of electricity within the country. Status Quo on Consumption and Energy System in Zambia, is the first in the series. It lays the groundwork by analysing Zambia’s existing energy consumption patterns, production capacities, and the challenges associated with its heavy reliance on biomass and hydropower. Building on these insights, the second report, Measures and Technologies for a Low-Carbon Zambian Energy System, explores the essential technologies and strategies that Zambia can adopt to reduce its carbon footprint, with a focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon sequestration. Finally, the third report, (unpublished so far) Overview of the Electric Energy Economy in Zambia, provides a detailed evaluation of the electricity sector’s macroeconomic contributions, the regulatory framework, and the investment landscape, offering a forward-looking perspective on how Zambia can leverage its electricity resources to drive sustainable economic growth. Together, these reports provide a comprehensive roadmap for understanding and addressing Zambia’s energy challenges and opportunities in the context of national development and global climate goals.

Research

The research for Zambia can be found on the CCG Research Index here.

Network Engagement

In November 2024, there were three workshops from this group:

Advancing Climate Compatible Growth in Zambia through Collaborative Review

Strengthening the Investment Landscape for Climate-Compatible Growth in Zambia

Launching the Chibombo District PACE Project

Prior to this there was an April Workshop on Decentralised Energy Planning which you can read about here.

Right at the start, to kick-off the Zambia CCG Network, an Inception workshop was held in March 2022, which brought together key researchers and decision makers to discuss the key low-emission growth priorities of Zambia. The following year, the Network held its Annual Workshop, convening SIG members together to reflect on the progress made over the first year.

Mr Agnelli Kafuwe from the Ministry of Energy, Zambia — Mr Agnelli Kafuwe
Ministry of Energy, Zambia

In March 2023 we held a Workshop on Energy Sector Devolution, with the University of Zambia and our SIG. This is part of our Southern Partner Fund work with Mashekwa Maboshe, PhD. The session opened with remarks from Mr Agnelli Kafuwe from the Ministry of Energy, Zambia. Several breakout groups mapped the steps, mechanisms, challenges, and opportunities in energy decentralisation. We were delighted to be joined by Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) Akabondo Kabechani Bwalya Funga Desmond Banda from the Ministry of Finance, Chilombo Chila from CIGZambia, Eric Musama Alexander Chileshe from UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) and many others contributing their expertise.

In his closing remarks, Mr Agnelli Kafuwe said that the event was an eye-opener for him, causing him to re-evaluate how things are done.

In October 2023 we held a Workshop on Decentralised Energy Planning In Zambia, with the University of Zambia.