Southern Africa is currently facing its worst drought in a century, exacerbating the already pressing issue of climate change. As a result, over 68 million people in the region are experiencing severe food and water shortages. Zambia, which heavily relies on hydroelectric power, is particularly feeling the impact of this crisis, being able to provide only three hours of electricity per day to its citizens.
The Zambian government has taken steps to address this energy shortage by removing VAT on solar products in an effort to mitigate the crisis. Diana Zulu, a representative from the SolarAid charity in Zambia, sat down with France 24 to discuss the significant energy challenges facing the country.
As the country grapples with the limitations of hydroelectric power due to the drought, many are looking towards solar energy as a potential solution to fill the gap. This shift towards solar power not only offers a more sustainable and reliable source of energy, but also has the potential to alleviate the country’s energy crisis.
With the increasing prevalence of solar energy technology and the government’s efforts to promote its use, Zambia may be able to overcome its current energy challenges and provide its citizens with a more reliable source of electricity in the face of the ongoing drought and climate change impacts.
Watch the video by FRANCE 24 English
Video “As Zambian hydroelectric power runs dry, can solar energy plug the gap? • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 09/13/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English