LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Renewed calls have emerged for Zambia to consider the swift establishment of a nuclear power plant to address ongoing power generation challenges.
Dr. Richard Silumbe, a senior researcher and President of the Leadership Movement, has urged the government to construct a nuclear power plant. He emphasized that, as a Southern African nation heavily reliant on hydropower, Zambia must diversify its energy sources to drive its industrialization agenda and solidify its position as a regional leader in electricity supply.
Dr. Silumbe underscored the potential of nuclear power to generate foreign exchange, asserting that investment in this energy source could serve as a game changer for the country.
In addition to his role at ZRDC, Dr. Silumbe is also the President of the opposition Leadership Movement (LM). He has consistently championed the diversification of electricity generation and other policy matters, including the government’s current strategy of utilizing quasi-government institutions, such as military wings, to enhance food security.
Addressing journalists in Lusaka, Dr. Silumbe noted that the current power deficit of 1,000 MW is manageable if the country shifts from hydropower to nuclear power. He added, “Nuclear power is not expensive and carries fewer risks compared to hydropower.”
Dr. Talkmore Chidede, a Senior Digital Trade Expert at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063, emphasized the need for substantial investment in green power generation, particularly nuclear power, to support the growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the continent.
In a side interview with ASHE News during the ongoing AfCFTA Digital Trade Forum 2025 in Lusaka, Dr. Chidede stated, “Recent reports indicate that AI is likely to consume about 90 percent of the electricity, highlighting critical areas for investment where governments and investors need to focus.”
“This calls for investment in the energy sector, as this remains one of the significant challenges we face across the continent. We must explore alternative energy sources,” Dr. Chidede added.
Zambia continues to grapple with electricity generation challenges exacerbated by drought during the 2023-2024 rainy season, which has severely reduced water levels for power generation.
Currently, the southern African nation faces a power deficit of approximately 1,000 MW against a usable capacity of 2,000 MW, resulting in power outages lasting up to 15 hours.
