ZAMBIA – Zambia's transition to an open electricity market represents one of the most significant energy sector reforms in the country's recent history. Following a Presidential declaration opening the market to competition, and the coming into force of the Electricity (Open Access) Regulations on 19 July 2024, Independent Power Producers may now generate and sell electricity directly to eligible consumers through Zambia's transmission network. The reforms position Zambia as a regional electricity trading hub within the Southern African Power Pool and future Eastern African interconnections. Recognising that regulatory success depends not only on sound laws but on strong institutions, the Chandler Institute of Justice (CIJ) partnered with internationally recognised legal experts to build the governance and regulatory capacity required to implement these reforms effectively.

Building Regulatory Capacity for an Open Market

The first phase of CIJ's support focused on strengthening the technical and regulatory capacity of ERB management and key energy sector stakeholders. Delivered in partnership with Hunton Andrews Kurth, the programme brought together ERB executives, technical officers, and representatives from key energy institutions to deepen their understanding of Zambia's emerging open access framework. Training covered the legal and commercial architecture underpinning competitive electricity markets, including market regulation and licensing, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), grid access arrangements, transmission regulation, and the rights and obligations of market participants. Drawing on international experience and practical case studies, the programme equipped regulators with the knowledge needed to oversee a modern electricity market while supporting investor confidence and protecting the public interest.

Strengthening Governance at Board Level

Following the success of the first programme, the ERB identified a further need to strengthen governance at the highest level of the institution. Effective regulation of a liberalised electricity market requires informed strategic oversight by a Board of Directors whose decisions shape the credibility and long-term sustainability of the sector. CIJ responded by partnering with ENS Africa to deliver a specialised governance programme for the thirteen members of the ERB Board of Directors and its Board Committees. The programme placed particular emphasis on the legal and contractual framework governing PPAs, the regulatory approval process for major energy transactions, fiduciary responsibilities, and strategic decision-making in an increasingly complex energy landscape. Rather than technical legal training, the programme was designed to strengthen the Board's capacity to exercise effective governance, to ask the right questions, scrutinise complex transactions, identify legal and commercial risks, and make informed decisions that support transparency, accountability, and sustainable sector growth.

As Zambia advances the implementation of its open electricity market, effective regulation and strong institutional governance will remain essential to attracting investment, safeguarding competition, and delivering affordable, reliable energy for the country and the region.