The issue is so serious that cities and villages across the country are often without electricity for three straight days, with inhabitants thinking themselves lucky if the lights come on for an hour or two.
For the 43% of Zambians who are linked to the grid and have always taken electricity for granted, the power outages have been shocking.
However, the El Niño weather pattern has led to one of the worst droughts in decades, which has completely destroyed Zambia’s ability to generate electricity.
These days, when I visit pubs and restaurants, I occasionally see folks there who aren’t eating or drinking.
Another lucrative industry is that of persons charging the phones of the unpowered.
Up to 84% of Zambia’s electricity comes from water reservoirs like lakes and rivers, with coal accounting for only 13% of the total.
Even less, at 3%, are the contributions from solar, diesel, and heavy fuel oil.
