The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved a $200 million International Development Association (IDA) grant for the 13th phase of the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) Program. This phase is expected to provide reliable and sustainable energy services to over one million people in Zambia within the next five years.
The ASCENT Zambia project aims to connect remote and underserved communities to electricity, while also ensuring that businesses and industries gain access to reliable and affordable power. This is expected to support economic growth and create jobs across the country. The project will also scale up successful pilot initiatives, invest in new energy technologies, and empower local communities with the capacity to manage and maintain energy infrastructure.
Yadviga Viktorivna Semikolenova, World Bank Practice Manager for Energy for Eastern and Southern Africa, emphasized the program’s alignment with Zambia’s energy goals. “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. We are excited to embark on this new phase and look forward to the positive impact it will have on local communities.”
The ASCENT Program uses a phased approach to help countries in Eastern and Southern Africa achieve the Mission 300 target, which aims to provide electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030. The Zambia project marks the 13th phase of the broader regional program.
Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia, highlighted the importance of partnerships in ensuring the program’s success. “Partnerships are key to the success of the ASCENT Zambia project. 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.”
The International Development Association, established in 1960, supports the world’s poorest countries by offering grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects that stimulate growth, reduce poverty, and improve lives. IDA has provided $496 billion to 114 countries since its inception. Nearly 70 percent of its recent commitments go to African countries
