Surviving The Outages: The Struggle and Resilience Amid Zambia’s Load-shedding Crisis

Authors: Esther Tatenda Zulu, Mwaka Hachisaala (Jul 16, 2024)

The 2023/2024 rainy season brought yet another severe drought, causing a substantial decrease in water levels in the main reservoirs, including the Kariba Dam, which is one of the largest sources of hydroelectric power for Zambia. As a result, the country has been experiencing significant loadshedding, with power outages lasting several hours daily (up to 24 hours in some areas). These outages have disrupted businesses and everyday life for millions of Zambians. The recurrent nature of this issue underscores the vulnerability of Zambia’s energy sector to climatic conditions and the urgent need for diversifying energy sources.

Despite the widespread anecdotal evidence on the detrimental effects of loadshedding, there has been a lack of empirical studies quantifying these impacts. To address this gap, we conducted an exploratory study focusing on the effects of loadshedding in Lusaka. This study aims to provide a quantifiable measure of the economic and social impacts of loadshedding on households and businesses in the capital city. By doing so, we hope to inform stakeholders on the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions and the importance of mitigating the adverse effects of power shortages on the nation’s development.