Zambia Electricity Access
Access to electricity as % of population EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS
Zambia's electricity access was 54.40% in 2025, ranked 194th globally. This represents a 6.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Zambia's electricity access stood at 54.40% in 2025, a rise of +3.30pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 54.40% by 2025. Zambia ranked 194th globally.
Zambia’s share of the population with access to electricity has risen dramatically over the past 35 years, climbing from 13.90 % in 1990 to 54.40 % in 2025, the highest level recorded and the figure that places the country at rank 194 globally. The all‑time trough of 12.75 % occurred in 1991, underscoring the depth of the early‑1990s energy deficit, while the steady ascent since then reflects expanded grid extensions and off‑grid solar programmes. Zambia’s 2025 coverage is comparable to peers such as Uganda (55.60 %) and Guinea (54.82 %), suggesting that regional initiatives to improve rural electrification are bearing fruit. Nevertheless, the modest gap with the top‑ranking peers indicates that further investment in generation capacity and distribution networks will be essential to sustain the upward trajectory and push access beyond the mid‑50 % range in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Electricity Access | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 56.34% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 54.40% | - | - |
| 2025 | 54.40% | +3.30pp | #194 |
| 2023 | 51.10% | +3.30pp | #197 |
| 2022 | 47.80% | +1.10pp | #197 |
| 2021 | 46.70% | +2.10pp | #197 |
| 2020 | 44.60% | +1.60pp | #197 |
| 2019 | 43.00% | +2.80pp | #196 |
| 2018 | 40.20% | −0.10pp | #197 |
| 2017 | 40.30% | +4.90pp | #193 |
| 2016 | 35.40% | +4.30pp | #195 |
| 2015 | 31.10% | +3.20pp | #196 |
| 2014 | 27.90% | −2.20pp | #196 |
| 2013 | 30.10% | +0.90pp | #196 |
| 2012 | 29.20% | +0.90pp | #194 |
| 2011 | 28.30% | +6.30pp | #196 |
| 2010 | 22.00% | −4.60pp | #195 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zambia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw electricity access improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zambia's electricity access was 54.40% in 2025. Ranked 194th globally. This represents a 6.5% increase from the previous year.
Zambia's electricity access peaked at 54.40% in 2025.
The lowest electricity access in Zambia was 12.75% in 1991.
Zambia ranks 194th globally in electricity access as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zambia's electricity access is projected to reach 54.40% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The electricity access of Zambia in 2025 was 54.40%. This ranks 194th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zambia_electricity-access,
title = {Zambia Electricity Access},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zambia/electricity-access/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}