Energy enthusiast, Chikwanda advocates for shift to LPG as adoption rate stands abysmally low at 1% compared with charcoal at 56.7%

Energy enthusiast, Johnstone Chikwanda, has called for urgent dialogue on Zambia’s low adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which stands at a mere one percent of national consumption, compared to charcoal’s dominant 56.7 percent.

The 2023 National Energy Access Survey Report revealed Zambia’s heavy reliance on charcoal, despite its environmental and health implications.

Analysing the data, Chikwanda stressed the need to redirect national energy policies toward increasing LPG adoption as an alternative for cooking.

“The current LPG consumption rate is very low. This shows where the country must focus its efforts by repivoting initiatives toward alternatives like LPG, which is a key strategy for replacing charcoal and reducing electricity dependence for cooking,” he said.

Chikwanda highlighted urban areas as the primary consumers of charcoal, with 60 percent of demand coming from cities.

“To curb charcoal use, we need affordable replacement strategies that resonate with urban households,” he noted.

Chikwanda emphasized that Zambia could draw lessons from countries that have achieved significant LPG penetration, targeting a 40 percent adoption rate within five years.

The survey also highlighted progress in rural electrification, which has improved from 4 percent to 34 percent over the years, a development attributed to increased government funding for the Rural Electrification Authority (REA).

“REA is making commendable strides in fulfilling its mandate, but the gap remains wide. With more resources and innovative initiatives, the authority can achieve even greater results,” Chikwanda stated.

Meanwhile, urban electrification stands at 80 percent, though the combined national electrification rate of 53.6 percent—dragged down by rural areas—remains among the lowest in the region.

“Achieving universal access to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy by 2030, as outlined in SDG #7, requires a concerted effort to address rural challenges while sustaining urban progress,” he said.

Chikwanda commended the Zambia Statistical Agency (ZAMSTATS) and REA for their efforts in shedding light on the country’s achievements and challenges in energy access, urging continued momentum in closing the electrification gap.

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