The Africa Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA) officially launched it’s Zambia Country Chapter
The Africa Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA) officially launched its Zambia Country Chapter during the commissioning and ribbon-cutting for the 10th minigrid site for its member, Standard Microgrid.
Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Honourable Mr. Matthew Nkhuwa was the Guest of Honour at the event which brought together representatives from both the public and private sectors including the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) Director Technical Regulation (representing the Executive Director Ms. Langiwe Lungu), Mr. Allen Polito; Rural Electrification Authority (REA) CEO, Mr. Clement Silavwe; Standard Microgrid CEO, Mr. Brian Somers and AMDA CEO, Mr. Aaron Leopold. In attendance were also development partners including Sweden’s Ambassador to Zambia, Ms. Anna Maj Hultgard and Director of USAID Zambia, Ms. Sheryl Stumbras.
The combined successful launch of AMDA Zambia Chapter and the Standard Microgrid’s 10th site commissioning demonstrates Zambia’s commitment to energy and private sector development as well as the effectiveness of Public-Private partnerships within the minigrid sector in the country.
“We at the Ministry of Energy believe that we should employ the private sector’s investment in order to achieve our electrification targets. I will continue to extend my support to those working towards bringing power to Zambia.” Minister of Energy, Hon. Nkhuwa said.
Zambia adds to the growing list of AMDA’s country chapters. After successful activity in Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria, AMDA scales up its operations to Zambia with the aim of supporting the development of the minigrid sector to deliver for rural communities in the country where six million Zambians still lack access to electricity.
“We are extraordinarily happy to launch the Zambia chapter of AMDA at the commissioning of one of our members’ sites. And Zambia’s government and donor partners are exemplary of the type of support and collaboration needed to end energy poverty across all of Africa.” AMDA’s CEO Aaron Leopold said.
AMDA’s Zambia chapter currently features four members: Standard Microgrid, Engie PowerCorner, Muhanya Solar, and Virunga Power.
About AMDA: AMDA is an industry association representing private utilities developing small, renewable, localized power grids in Africa. Through knowledge-sharing, coordination and advocacy, AMDA enables policy-makers, funders, and partners in rural electrification to align with and support the development of the minigrid industry. It currently has 30 members across 12 African countries.
For more information: www.africamda.org or Contact: communications@africamda.org
