Protracted blackouts cripple Zambia's telecommunication sector
In Zambia, the telecommunications sector is grappling with an energy crisis that has been exacerbated by prolonged power blackouts since January 2023. The root cause can be traced back to severe climate change and unpredictable weather events that led to a drastic reduction in water levels at Lake Kariba, the country's primary source of hydroelectric power.
The energy crisis is not unique to Zambia, as many African nations face similar power supply challenges. Climate change is impacting energy production and distribution across the continent, requiring the telecommunications industry to adapt and innovate to ensure reliable services.
The telecom industry, with over 3,500 combined tower sites connected to the national grid, is particularly vulnerable to these power disruptions. Mobile network operators are facing substantial cost increases due to the need for constant refueling and more frequent servicing of backup generators.
MTN Zambia, Airtel Zambia, and Zamtel, which collectively form the GSMAZ, have issued a joint statement highlighting the detrimental effects of power cuts lasting more than four hours. The Global System for Mobile Association of Zambia (GSMAZ) has raised concerns about the negative impact of these outages on the sector's ability to provide quality services.
To address the crisis, the GSMAZ members are collaborating with various stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions. Medium to long-term measures being considered include solar-based backup solutions to enhance energy resilience.
The situation has deteriorated further, with current load shedding periods extending up to 13 to 14 hours daily. This has put a significant strain on the industry, which plays a critical role as an economic enabler for sustained business growth and social development in Zambia.
In neighbouring South Africa, MTN SA invested significantly in 2023 to move its base stations off-grid, while Vodacom SA entered into a 'virtual wheeling agreement' with Eskom to address the country's energy crisis. However, specific details about similar measures taken by companies in Zambia could not be found.
Finding sustainable solutions to the energy crisis will be crucial for maintaining connectivity and supporting economic progress in Zambia. The GSMAZ emphasized that Zambia is experiencing its worst climate change effects in the last 60 years of independence.
ZESCO, Zambia's state-owned power utility, was forced to increase the duration of blackouts from six to 12 hours in response to the diminished power generation. The energy crisis in Zambia is not new, and the industry will need to continue adapting to ensure it can continue to serve its crucial role in the country's development.
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