World Bank Grants $200M for ASCENT Zambia Project to Boost Clean Energy Access

In a significant boost to Zambia’s energy infrastructure and inclusive development agenda, the World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved a $200 million grant under the International Development Association (IDA) to fund the 13th phase of the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) Program. This ambitious project is set to deliver reliable and sustainable electricity access to over one million Zambians—particularly those living in remote and underserved communities—within the next five years.

The project, titled ASCENT Zambia, represents a bold step forward in the country’s commitment to universal energy access, while supporting broader efforts to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and build climate resilience in Zambia’s energy sector.

Powering Zambia’s Communities, Businesses, and Future

The ASCENT Zambia initiative is not just about connecting homes to the power grid. It has a broader developmental goal: to provide affordable, dependable electricity to power businesses, industrial operations, and critical public services, such as healthcare and education.

“The ASCENT Zambia project is a testament to the World Bank’s commitment to supporting sustainable energy access for all Zambians in line with the Zambia National Energy Compact under the Mission 300 Initiative,” said Yadviga Viktorivna Semikolenova, World Bank Practice Manager for Energy for Eastern and Southern Africa.

Through this project, the World Bank and its partners aim to:

• Extend electricity to remote rural areas through grid extension and off-grid solutions

• Scale up successful clean energy pilots, including solar and mini-grid systems

• Invest in modern technologies to improve efficiency and reliability

• Train local communities to manage, operate, and maintain energy infrastructure sustainably

ASCENT: A Continental Vision for Energy Access

The ASCENT Zambia project is part of a region-wide effort across Eastern and Southern Africa to achieve universal energy access. This mission is aligned with the Mission 300 Initiative, which seeks to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030.

The Zambia phase is the 13th in the ASCENT program, which takes a multi-phase, multi-country approach to supporting clean and resilient energy systems across the continent. Each country-led phase is tailored to national priorities but contributes to the broader regional goal of equitable, sustainable energy access.

“Partnerships are key to the success of the ASCENT Zambia project,” emphasized Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia. “We are grateful for the support of all partners and look forward to working together to help foster economic growth in Zambia through the provision of reliable energy to businesses and industries.”

Targeting the Energy Access Gap

Zambia, like many African nations, faces significant energy access challenges. According to estimates, a large portion of the population—especially in rural areas—remains unconnected to the power grid or relies on unreliable and polluting energy sources. These gaps limit economic activity, reduce productivity, and expose vulnerable communities to health and safety risks.

The ASCENT Zambia project directly addresses this gap, aiming to reach more than one million beneficiaries through a combination of grid and off-grid interventions. Importantly, the program is designed with gender equity and social inclusion at its core, ensuring marginalized communities and women benefit from energy access and job creation.

Building Local Capacity and Clean Energy Leadership

Beyond physical infrastructure, the project invests in building institutional and technical capacity. This includes:

• Training local technicians and engineers

• Supporting government energy agencies with planning and oversight tools

• Promoting community-level ownership of renewable energy projects

• Strengthening the private sector's role in delivering off-grid and mini-grid services

This long-term capacity development is expected to foster innovation, improve energy governance, and lay the foundation for climate-resilient and adaptive energy policies.

IDA: Financing Development for the Poorest

The grant is provided under the International Development Association (IDA)—the World Bank’s arm for the world’s 74 poorest countries, including 39 in Africa. Since its inception in 1960, IDA has delivered over $496 billion in funding to 114 countries, significantly supporting efforts to reduce poverty, boost shared prosperity, and advance sustainable development.

IDA financing typically includes grants and low- to zero-interest loans, making it an essential tool for supporting long-term infrastructure investments in countries like Zambia. Over the past three years alone (FY20–FY22), IDA has committed nearly $35 billion annually, with 70 percent of that going to Africa.

Lighting the Path to a Greener, More Equitable Zambia

As Zambia works toward its national energy goals and broader development targets under Vision 2030, the ASCENT Zambia project will play a pivotal role in accelerating clean energy deployment, enhancing rural livelihoods, and building climate-smart infrastructure.

With strong backing from the World Bank and its international partners, Zambia is poised to make significant strides toward universal energy access, economic empowerment, and resilience in the face of global energy and climate challenges.