Zambia is gearing up for the C&I Energy + Storage Summit 2025 in Lusaka, a pivotal event for commercial and industrial leaders as the country accelerates toward its Mission 300 target of achieving 10,000MW by 2030. Taking place on August 27–28 at The Pamodzi Hotel, the summit will focus on energy independence, renewable adoption, and sustainable growth in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism.
Day 1 opens with a keynote from Minister of Energy Hon. Makozo Chikote, hosted by Brian Mainza of the Ministry of Energy. Discussions will center on boosting private sector participation in the power sector to drive Zambia’s industrialisation agenda. A high-profile panel on mitigating energy risks will feature Chabuka Kawesha of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muntanga Lindunda of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers, and Helen Zulu of ENGIE Energy Access.
Project showcases will highlight success stories, including Vertiv’s Zambia mining project, Zambia Sugar’s renewable initiatives, and a South African gold mine’s embedded generation strategy. Financial barriers to renewable adoption will be addressed by experts such as Chikoma Kazunga from Africa GreenCo and Brian Tahinduka from Stanbic Bank. Masterclasses will cover the role of power purchase agreements, battery storage basics, and building business cases for embedded generation, with workshops promoting solar adoption rounding off the day.
The summit aims to foster strategic partnerships for sustainable industrial growth.
Day 2 focuses on policy, solar, and storage innovation
Day 2 will begin with a keynote by Chabuka Kawesha, followed by a session on Zambia’s Open Access Regime. A panel on reshaping the energy sector will bring together Mulenga Bwalya from Copperbelt Energy Corporation, senior Ministry of Energy officials, and ZESCO representatives.
Jo Dean will lead a session on unlocking solar and storage for the C&I sector, while Kenya Power’s Billy Onyango will explore the real cost of energy. Closing sessions will cover the future of storage in hydro-dependent countries, moderated by Dr Johnstone Chikwanda, and sustainable asset management for solar PV projects, led by Matanda Mwewa from the Solar Industry Association of Zambia.
The Zambia C&I Energy + Storage Summit is part of a long-term commitment to accelerate renewable energy and storage solutions for the C&I sector. By fostering collaboration between business, government, and solution providers, the summit aims to create a sustainable energy ecosystem to support economic growth and industrial resilience.
Leave a Reply