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Zambia Electric Cooperative Development Program

Implementing Partners and Organisations

Department of Cooperative, Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development - Republic of Zambia, Ministry of Energy - Republic of Zambia, Rural Electrification Authority, Zambia Cooperative Federation

Period of Implementation

October 2021 - September 2026

Geographic scope

Africa: Zambia

Budget

$ 5,250,000
€ 5 000 000

Donor(s)

Bilateral Aid: Cooperative Development Program, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Sector(s)

Energy, Utilities

Type of Activity

Governance and Organizational Strengthening, Legal and Regulatory framework, Monitoring & Evaluation, Technical Assistance & Advisory, Training & Capacity Building

Summary

Principal Activities are: Identify communities that are suitable candidates for development of electric cooperatives. Build technical capacity in communities through community engagement, develop business plans, and secure financing for infrastructure. Provide ongoing technical support to cooperatives from formation to operations phase. Be a mentor and provide operations training to cooperatives. Support improvements in the legal and regulatory framework. Collaborate with other cooperative development organizations on lessons learned and research activities.

Project Objectives

The program aims to develop viable electric cooperatives in rural communities, that will play an important role in the electrification expansion efforts in Zambia.

Impact on SDGs

SDG7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth

Main Indicators

1. Number of Cooperative Members Benefiting from Services and Resources Delivered through cooperatives and Credit Unions
2. Dollar ($) Value of Member Equity in a Cooperative or Credit Union
3. Number of people trained in technical energy fields supported by USG assistance
4. Dollar ($) value of non-donor resources mobilized for locally led development priorities
5. Number of Cooperatives and Credit Unions with Improved Governance
6. Number of private sector firms that have improved management practices or technologies as a result of USG assistance
7. Number of beneficiaries with improved energy services due to USG assistance
8. Percent of USG-assisted organizations with improved performance

Direct beneficiaries

Organisations: 5

Individuals: 1500

Local stakeholders

5 rural electric cooperatives

Key Tags

Employment, Entrepreneurship, Environment