12/05/2025
World Bank Grants US$200 Million for Zambia’s Energy Access Expansion
Yadviga Viktorivna Semikolenova, World Bank Practice Manager for Energy in Eastern and Southern Africa, stated the program aligns with Zambia’s energy goals under the national compact of the Mission 300 Initiative.
“The ASCENT Zambia project demonstrates our commitment to universal sustainable energy access,” Semikolenova confirmed, referencing Zambia’s alignment with the broader target to electrify 300 million Africans by 2030.
Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia, emphasized collaborative efforts for the project’s success. “Partnerships are vital to ASCENT Zambia.
We appreciate all stakeholders and will work jointly to spur economic growth through reliable energy provision,” Fock noted. The ASCENT Program’s phased approach supports Eastern and Southern African nations in advancing the Mission 300 objectives.
Established in 1960, IDA provides grants and low-interest loans to the world’s poorest countries, with nearly 70% of recent commitments directed to Africa. Since its inception, IDA has disbursed $496 billion across 114 nations.