ZEMA Approves 11 Projects in Various Economic Sectors Worth US$1.91 Billion

Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has disclosed that it has approved 116 projects worth US$1.91 billion, out of the 121 that were considered in various sectors of the economy at its 9th sitting held in September, 2024.

Acting Director General, Karen Banda-Etondo, revealed that the Energy Sector had the highest total investment cost of US$1.76 Billion, while the investment in the Manufacturing and Processing industries stood at US$ 66.80 Million, with Mining & Mineral Processing sector recording an investment cost of US$45.50 Million.

Mrs. Etondo further disclosed that the approved projects in the Energy sector included those anticipated to generate 675 Megawatts of power with 300 Megawatts from a Thermal Power plant, 355 Megawatts from Hydro Power plants and 20 Megawatts from Solar Plants.

“Zambia Environmental Management Agency considered 121 projects and approved 116 projects at its 9th sitting held in September, 2024. The approved projects have a total investment cost of US$1.91 Billion. The mining and mineral processing sector continues to lead in number with 46 projects approved.”

“The Manufacturing and Processing sector was second with 29 projects, while the Energy sector was third at 24 projects approved. The Infrastructure Development, and Agriculture and Forestry sectors had 9 and 7 projects approved, respectively. The Tourism Sector continues to record fewer applications with only 1 project considered and approved,” Mrs. Etondo noted.

She added that the Agency has continued to prioritize the assessment of electricity and water harvesting projects to prevent delays in critical interventions, in view of the declaration of the drought as a national disaster and emergency.