Zambia's hydro-power sector to grow by US$ 2.2 billion

The Zambian Government has announced a US$ 2.2 billion boost to its hydroelectric power sector.

At a press conference earlier this week, Energy Minister Kenneth Konga said feasibility studies are currently underway, with construction planned to start as soon as possible in an effort to overcome the country's power deficit.

Mr Konga said private developers would continue to be able to construct power stations in efforts to overcome power shortages currently crippling the country's copper mines and other economic sectors.

Mr Konga also said Zambia would require an additional US$ 1.1 billion by 2030 to increase power supplies to rural areas to 51% from the current 3%. This is equal to an annual expenditure of US$ 50 million between 2008 and 2030.