Zambia launch €5.2 million Energy Efficiency Project in Zambia

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The Zambian government, in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), has launched a four-year, €5.2 million energy efficiency project aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods.

The initiative, known as the Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) Zambia Country Window Project, aligns with Zambia’s national vision for sustainable industrialization and inclusive economic growth.

The EELA programme seeks to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth through integrated energy efficiency interventions.

It focuses on promoting high-performing, affordable, and energy-efficient appliances, increasing industrial sector energy efficiency investments, and supporting sustainable local value chains for energy-efficient products and services.

Building on the success of the EELA project, which has been implemented since 2019 in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) regions, the programme now extends to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), introducing broader interventions with transformative potential at national and regional levels.

In his keynote address, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga has described the EELA project as timely and transformative, stressing that it will drive industrial growth, job creation, and wealth generation in a sustainable manner.

He said the government is actively mobilising investments to unlock Zambia’s industrial potential, with EELA complementing these efforts by encouraging private sector participation through the Industry Clean-Tech platform.

“Sustainability is no longer optional it is imperative. EELA supports the government in reducing industrial carbon emissions, promoting electronic waste management, and advancing circular economy practices,” Mr. Mulenga said.

He has urged the project’s Steering Committee, which comprises representatives from key institutions, to identify priority areas for policy reform, market development, and capacity building.

And speaking at the same event, United Nations Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali said the EELA programme demonstrates how a single initiative can simultaneously improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and enhance livelihoods, particularly for women and youth. She reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting this transformative journey.

UNIDO industrial development expert and project manager Ellin Karlsson, has explained that the initiative is designed to accelerate the uptake of energy-efficient appliances, boost industrial energy efficiency investments, and strengthen local value chains.

Ms. Karlsson has  emphasised that the project takes a systems-oriented approach, addressing policy, regulatory frameworks, markets, industries, and skills development, including training for maintenance, repair, and safe disposal of technologies.

Meanwhile Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Johan Hallenborg has highlighted that both Sweden and Zambia are taking significant steps to build low-carbon, resilient economies.

He has noted that Zambia’s Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan provides a framework to reduce energy intensity, promote energy-efficient appliances, and encourage industrial audits and management systems.

The EELA project, with a four-year budget of €5.2 million, is expected to increase the adoption of energy-efficient appliances through policy support, capacity building, and private sector development, supporting Zambia’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

Ends………………………

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