Zambia mandates electric vehicles for all government institutions

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has announced a new policy requiring all government institutions to acquire only electric vehicles. The move aims to reduce the nation's dependence on imported fuel and mitigate the impact of global petroleum market instability caused by geopolitical tensions.

To support this transition, the government plans to partner with the private sector to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country. President Hichilema also encouraged businesses and citizens to adopt electric mobility to strengthen national energy security.

In addition to the vehicle mandate, the President outlined several energy and fuel strategies. These include accelerating the construction of petroleum pipelines connecting Zambia to Angola, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe to diversify supply routes. He also directed the Ministry of Energy to implement a fuel-blending strategy to support the local ethanol industry and reduce import costs. Furthermore, the government intends to review the Energy Regulation Board’s monthly fuel pricing mechanism to create a more predictable petroleum supply system.