WHAT IS THE REMP?

The Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP) is a strategic blueprint developed to guide the systematic electrification of rural areas in Zambia up to the year 2030. The REMP was developed through a collaborative effort between the Zambian Government through its Ministry of Energy, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)..

Objectives of the REMP

The Key objectives of the REMP are:
i. Increase national electricity access rates in rural areas from 3% (Baseline) to 51% by 2030;
ii. Identify and prioritize 1,217 Rural Growth Centers (RGCs) for electrification using appropriate electrification technologies.
iii. Establish a sustainable framework for rural electrification through a combination of Grid Development Projects, Mini-hydro Power Plants, and Solar Home Systems (SHS);
iv. Develop a comprehensive financial plan to support the sustainable implementation of electrification projects;
v. Recommend critical policy enhancements to facilitate and sustain rural electrification efforts; and
vi. Promote technology transfer for ongoing plan updates and implementation by Zambian stakeholders.

REMP Targets

The REMP focuses on the electrifying of the 1,217 RGCs, which are designated areas with concentrated populations and economic activity. These centres are targeted for electrification either through the national grid where feasible, with mini-hydropower as an option in areas with suitable potential and for vastly remote locations, the plan incorporates Solar Photovoltaic Solutions. The REMP also recommends that all projects have a positive Financial Internal Rate of Return (FIRR) and Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR). Crucially, in order to successfully implement the Rural Electrification Program, the REMP recommends an estimated resource envelope of US$ 50 million per year, representing an estimated total budget of US$ 1.1 billion to fully attain the REMP targets.

Implementation Status of the REMP

• Current Electrification Rate: Currently, the Rural Electrification Access Rate in Zambia sits at 8.1%.
• RGCs Electrified: As of 31st March 2024, REA had electrified a total of 545, representing an RGC electrification rate of 45%.