The Rural Electrification Authority (REA), the Office of the Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have renewed their partnership to expand electricity access in refugee settlements and surrounding host communities in Zambia.

The three institutions signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation on electrification projects. An Acceptance Agreement for the Meheba Grid Extension Project was also signed as part of the renewed partnership.

The collaboration builds on earlier work in Meheba, located in Kalumbila District, where a grid extension project expanded electricity infrastructure to Meheba A, Meheba B and Kananga. Under the renewed partnership, the institutions will assess opportunities to extend electricity access to other refugee settlements, including Mayukwayukwa and Mantapala.

REA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Alex Mbumba said the partners must now move beyond signing agreements and focus on technical assessments, project preparation, resource mobilisation and implementation.

UNHCR Representative for the multi-country office covering Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe, Helen Mebrahtu, said access to electricity could generate opportunities beyond basic household connections.

The partnership will include feasibility studies to identify technically and economically viable electrification projects. The three institutions will also work together to mobilise resources required for implementation.

The initiative is expected to support improved electricity access for refugees while also benefiting host communities. The partners will coordinate project development and implementation based on identified needs and available resources.

Through the renewed cooperation, REA, the Office of the Commissioner for Refugees and UNHCR aim to identify additional opportunities for expanding reliable electricity infrastructure across Zambia’s refugee settlements.