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A United Arab Emirates (UAE), Independent Power Producer, AMEA Power Company has announced plans of undertaking feasibility studies in Zambia’s renewable energy sector.
This is expected to lead into investments in renewable energy projects in the county, according to President Hakainde Hichilema when he met with AMEA Power Company Chairman Hussain AlNowais in UAE on Tuesday.
He said the company’s intentions to engage technocrats to carry out feasibility studies and invest in renewable energy in the country was welcome.
President Hichilema said his administration was determined to accelerate the development of the power industry to alleviate electricity challenges being faced currently.
Read more:President Hichilema in UAE seeks partnership to modernize Zambia’s railways
“We welcome the interest shown by many entities to invest in renewable energy projects in our country.
“Our efforts to aggressively address rigidities in the energy sector is bearing fruits going by the interest shown by both local and international entities willing to come and partner with Zambians,” the President said.
In another development, President Hichilema has promised to transform Zambia’s small scale mining sector from a demeaning situation to an organised industry that are able to create jobs and wealth.
The President said he was transforming the small or artisanal mining sector from the demeaning situation where they are being labelled as illegal miners (jerabos)to an environment where they can obtain licenses, assisted with some capital and equipment.
He said the Government would also provide ready market for them within the vicinity of their operations.
President Hichilema said this when he met with International Holding Company (IHC) board chairman Ali Rashed Alrashdi.
He said they had shared ideas on the need to set up mineral processing plants and value addition facilities around small scale mining and avoid a situation where investors extract soil and export it in raw form
Furthermore, they discussed ways in which citizens involved in small scale mining sector can be properly organised and benefit from the mineral resources.
President Hichilema said they also discussed the need for joint ventures as the only way foriegn companies can transfer knowledge and skills to the citizens.
This would enhance job creation and exploitation of opportunities.
“We look forward to the actualisation of more of such engagements and projects.
IHC is one of the Middle East and Africa’s large conglomerates that invests in diversified global sectors.
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