Energy

The hydropower resource potential is estimated at 6000 megawatts (MW). The installed capacity is only 1715 megawatts. This contributes about 14% of total energy use. Zambia Electricity and Supply Company (ZESCO) is the major generator and distributor of electricity. Generation is mainly from Kariba North Bank (600 MW), Victoria Falls (108 MW) and Kafue Gorge (900MW). In addition there are six small hydropower stations namely Lisiwasi, Chishimba falls, Musonda falls, Itezi-tehzi, Mulungushi and Lunsemfwa.

Zambia exports electricity to Congo DR and Zimbabwe .

With the amendment of the legislation affecting generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity, the government is promoting entry of other private companies in the power sector. For instance, the government is promoting the following projects as opportunities for private sector finance: Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro-electric project, Itezhi-Itezhi Hydro-electric project, Zambia –Tanzania Inter-connector and Zambia-Namibia Inter-connector

Zambia has a variety of precious and semi precious minerals like amethyst, aquamarine, emeralds, gold and diamond. These are spread across the country. Investment opportunities exist in the prospecting and mining of these minerals. Investment opportunities also exist in polishing and processing gemstones. Historically mining in Zambia has always gravitated towards copper mining and gemstones mining. There is a need to take a step back and look at mining from a new perspective that endeavours to cover all the options available.

In the last fifteen years there has been a new emphasis on the mining of semi-precious stones such as Amethyst, which is sold in bulk to realize incomes of appreciable value. This option provided a less risky business venture with predictable incomes and a detour from the worries of staff theft of mined material, hijackings, and the personal fear of being attacked.

Unfortunately, the options seemed to end there. No wide interest was shown towards the extraction and processing of Marble, Granite and other stones for the building industry, or other useful minerals that can be used in agriculture and several manufacturing industries.

Huge potential exists for developing a local, regional and export market for both Marble and Granite, and probably many other similar minerals that can be used in the building of quality floors and wall facings in residential premises including commercial buildings.

Zambia boasts of the most valuable pure white Marble deposits and has large reserves of Granite and other minerals that have not yet been exploited.