Zambia Faces Severe Energy Crisis Due to Drought

Africa is making significant investments in energy infrastructure, with planned electricity sector investments expected to increase from under USD 30 billion to over USD 120 billion by 2030, with 50% allocated to renewable energy. The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant in Tanzania is set to be a major contributor, producing 5,920 gigawatt hours annually, although costs have surged from an initial estimate of USD 3 billion to a projected USD 7.58 billion due to overruns. In contrast, Zambia is facing a severe energy crisis attributed to drought conditions affecting the Kariba Dam, which supplies 80% of the country's electricity, leading to unprecedented power blackouts. The drought, worsened by climate change, has reduced power generation to less than 10% of normal levels, forcing citizens to adapt their daily lives significantly. The situation has been described as more damaging than the COVID-19 lockdowns, with economic consequences that could increase poverty levels. The stark differences between the investments in renewable energy in other African nations and the crisis in Zambia highlight the continent's diverse energy challenges.