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Energy News Network Podcasts Podcast Can Zambia Build Power Fast Enough for Its Next Wave of Industrial Growth?

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Can Zambia Build Power Fast Enough for Its Next Wave of Industrial Growth?

Zambia’s electricity demand is rising, driven by mining, industrialisation, agriculture and urbanisation. But meeting that demand will require more than adding new generation. Power trading, transmission investment and stronger regional connections will all have a role to play.

Hosted by Energy News Network (ENN) in partnership with The Electricity Hub, Let’s Talk Energy continues its series recorded live at the Africa Energy Forum 2026 in Cape Town with Martin Kasemuka, CEO of Lunzua Power Company.

The conversation looks at Zambia’s evolving power market and why Kasemuka sees opportunity across the electricity value chain, from solar, hydro and thermal generation to transmission infrastructure and cross-border power trading.

With transmission constraints limiting how effectively electricity can move between surplus and deficit markets, Kasemuka discusses proposed connections with the DRC and links towards Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa, as well as the role trading can play in supporting new investment.

As Zambia’s mining and industrial sectors expand, the episode asks a critical question: can generation, transmission and regional power trading grow quickly enough to keep pace with demand?

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