Zambia: Increased duration of rolling power cuts and disruptions likely through at least late September /update 6

Zambia's energy provider, ZESCO, will likely continue to extend the duration of rolling power cuts, causing further disruptions at least through late September. On Aug. 27, ZESCO announced that planned maintenance and delays in energy imports from Namibia have led to the unavailability of an additional 250 MW, resulting in the implementation of 20-hour rolling power cuts. Officials had begun implementing a 12-hour rolling power cut schedule in late May, likely due to insufficient power generation from the Kariba Dam. The Zambezi River Authority, which manages the dam, reported that water levels had dropped to around 8.7 percent in late August 2024, compared to 27 percent in late August 2023.

While authorities estimated that planned maintenance will only last through mid-September, energy imports and low-water levels could persist in the coming weeks and possibly months. Temporary commercial and communications disruptions are possible while load management and unscheduled disruptions occur; cellular and mobile services could be affected. Traffic disruptions and longer driving times are possible during these periods due to malfunctioning traffic signals. Power outages could also result in temporarily unavailable essential services such as ATMs and filling stations. There is an increased security threat during power outages. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during electricity outages.