As Zambia faces its worst drought in two decades, both businesses and households are experiencing prolonged electricity shortages.

Experts warn that the severe energy crisis could exacerbate the country's already fragile economy and result in significant job losses.

On a typical day, millions of people nationwide are coping with up to 21 hours of power outages, commonly referred to as load shedding.

The Zambia Association of Manufacturers, which represents the interests of the nation's factories, is feeling the impact of the energy crisis.

According to association president Ashu Sagar, members are struggling with the situation. Large companies are facing high costs due to the use of diesel-powered generators, while smaller businesses lack any alternative energy sources.

Sagar also noted that some members of the association have been unable to fulfill their contractual commitments with buyers as a result of the drought-induced energy crisis.

“So, the impact on the manufacturing sector is quite big in that small companies that probably could have no capacity to invest in alternative energy solutions like diesel generators have had to curtail their manufacturing operations,” he commented.

In addition, on Monday, Zambia's sole public power utility, the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), stated that it lacks sufficient power to supply all hospitals. 

According to media reports, some hospitals in the country are turning away patients due to shortages of both electricity and water, All Africa reports.

Furthermore, ZESCO spokesperson Matongo Maumbi explained that Zambia’s heavy dependence on hydropower has resulted in a national shortfall of nearly 1,300 megawatts due to the depletion of water sources. 

Economist Emmanuel Zulu added that the energy crisis is negatively impacting Zambia’s economy and increasing unemployment rates.

“There is a slump in output and productivity in the economy and this is going to affect our GDP as well as employment because most people will be left with nothing to do,” he stated.

Moreover, during his state of the nation address to Parliament at the end of last week, President Hichilema stated that his government is working tirelessly to tackle the energy crisis.

“Government is implementing a number of interventions in a bid to enhance resilience and reduce our dependence on hydroelectric power. We are promoting alternative sources of energy,” he said.