Flag of Zambia 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.

Institutional Partnership

The Ministry of Energy and the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) are the key public stakeholders for rural electrification. A partnership would aim to integrate into the national strategy to increase the energy access rate and promote renewable energies like solar.

Zambia at a glance

  • Population: ~20.5 M
  • GDP per capita: ~ $1,300 USD
RMS Impact Potential
  • Target Market: ~6.5 M people
  • Total Potential: ~6,500 sites
  • Target (30%): ~1,950 sites
  • Project Status: Market analysis.

Access Rates & Estimated Impact

⚡ Energy

~48%

National electricity access rate.

💧 Drinking Water

~72%

National drinking water access rate.

📡 Internet

~21%

Internet penetration rate.

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.