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THE Energy Regulations Board Executive Director LANGIWE LUNGU (ERB) has disclosed that the oil rich Republic of the Sudan has expressed interest in supplying oil to Zambia.
And Ms Lungu says ERB has recorded an increase in the number of Zambian registered companies applying for oil marketing and renewable energy licenses.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 10th Africa Energy Conference being held in Sandton, South Africa, Ms Lungu said her organisation has been approached by a delegation of the representative of the Sudanese government on the possibilities of the country supplying oil to Zambia.
She said if actualised, the move will help to reduce oil and fuel prices in Zambia adding that the ERB will further refer the Sudanese government to the Ministry of Energy for further consultations.
Ms. Lungu mentioned that the interest expressed by Sudan was welcome as Zambia was looking for solutions in reducing fuel prices which had affected many people.
She further observed that her organisation has recorded an increase in the number of local companies applying for oil marketing licenses following increased demand and business opportunities.
She side a total of 96 standard licences and 85 provisional licences were last year issued in different sectors of the oil and energy sectors showing in increase in the licences issued to local companies unlike what previously the case.
Ms. Lungu attributed the increase in demand for licences in the oil and energy sectors to the allocation of quotas to the transportation and procurement of fuel as well as the demand alternative energy sources such as Solar and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
She added that Zambia was engaging Kenya and South Africa to help in formulating regulatory framework including building capacity in the geothermal and wind energy sectors respectively that the country was trying to develop.
Speaking at the same event, Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba expressed happiness that Zambia was applauded for being one of the African countries that embraced renewable energy in addition to traditional hydro and thermal energy use.
He mentioned that Zambia was investing in energy infrastructure such as transmission lines to help bring some areas on the national grid as well as export power to need countries.
Mrs. Naomi Nyawali
First Secretary Press and Public Relations.
Zambia’s High Commission, South Africa.
