Republic of Zambia
Context and Opportunities
Zambia, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, has considerable hydroelectric potential thanks to the Zambezi River, but electricity distribution in vast rural areas remains a major challenge. The economy, historically dependent on copper, is seeking to diversify, particularly into agriculture. The development of this sector is directly linked to access to energy for irrigation and connectivity for market access.
Potential Intervention Zones
The Eastern, Northern, and North-Western provinces, which are areas with high agricultural potential but are poorly connected to the national grid, are priority targets. The integrated approach of RMS Impact would create economic development hubs around agricultural processing.
Zambia at a glance
- Population: ~20.5 million (2023 est.)
- Area: 752,618 km²
- GDP per capita: ~ $1,300 USD (2023 est.)
RMS Impact Potential
- Potential number of sites: 15-20 sites
- Project Status: Market analysis.
Access Rates & Estimated Impact
⚡ Energy
~48%
National electricity access rate (Source: World Bank, 2021).
💧 Drinking Water
~72%
National access rate to drinking water (Source: UNICEF, 2022).
📡 Internet
~21%
Internet penetration rate (Source: DataReportal, 2023).
Potential Economic Activities for Beneficiaries
- Direct activities: Management of phone charging points, sale of Wi-Fi top-up cards, first-level maintenance of solar and water installations.
- Indirect activities: Development of small businesses requiring refrigeration, sewing or welding workshops, secretarial services, online training centers, telemedicine consultations, and e-commerce for local artisans.