Introduction

In a country where electricity is vital for daily life and business operations, Zambian entrepreneur Tindor Sikunyongana is grappling with an energy crisis that has hit unprecedented levels. As he struggles to keep his welding business afloat, the high cost of diesel to run his generator is becoming unbearable. "Only God knows when this crisis will end," Sikunyongana lamented, his generator sputtering to a stop during our conversation, highlighting the daily struggle faced by many Zambians.

Causes of the Power Outages

What has led to the nationwide power outages? The answer lies mainly in a significant drought that has severely affected the Kariba Dam, the source of most of Zambia's electricity. Positioned approximately 200 kilometers south of Lusaka, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Kariba Dam is the world's largest man-made lake by volume. Built in the 1950s, it was intended to provide a nearly limitless source of renewable hydroelectric power by harnessing the Zambezi River.

However, months of dry conditions, intensified by the El Niño weather pattern and climate change, have reduced the reservoir's water levels drastically. Currently, only one out of the six turbines on Zambia’s side of the dam is operational, resulting in energy generation plummeting to less than 10% of its normal output. With the country relying on Kariba for over 80% of its electricity, many Zambians now experience only a few hours of power each day, with some areas left completely without electricity for days.

Impact on Daily Life and Business

In Lusaka, Edla Musonda is taking drastic measures to keep her travel business running, hauling her entire desktop computer to a nearby café equipped with its own diesel generator. Like many others, she copes with power outages by crowding into the cafe, a makeshift office for those who depend on electricity to survive.

Unfortunately, these struggles aren’t limited to business owners. Before the current crisis, less than half of Zambia's 20 million residents had reliable access to electricity. Now, families are forced to find alternative cooking methods and children resort to studying by candlelight as daily life becomes increasingly disrupted.

Economic Ramifications

The economic ramifications are dire. Trevor Hambayi, an economist, warns that this energy crisis could bring severe poverty levels, potentially shrinking Zambia’s economy more than the COVID-19 pandemic did. The country's overreliance on hydroelectric power exposes a fragility inherent in depending on such a climate-sensitive energy source.

Climate Change and Its Effects

Climate change is a significant factor driving these extreme weather patterns. Africa, while contributing minimally to global warming, suffers the most from its impacts. This year's drought, the worst in decades, has devastated crops across southern Africa and left millions facing food insecurity, prompting some governments to declare national emergencies.

Future of Hydroelectric Power in Africa

The International Energy Agency forecasts that hydroelectric power will account for 23% of Africa's energy generation by 2040, up from the current 17%. Countries like Mozambique, Malawi, Uganda, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo all rely heavily on hydro, yet face similar challenges of unpredictability. Climate experts assert that Zambia's situation reflects a growing trend, emphasizing that relying solely on hydro is not sustainable as extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity.

Government Response and Alternative Solutions

In response to the crisis, the Zambian government has encouraged a shift toward solar power, although many citizens lack the financial means to adopt this technology. Additionally, the government is now turning to temporary diesel-powered solutions, which contribute to more pollution.

Conclusion and Outlook

At Kariba, the dam's structure reveals the stark reality of the ongoing drought. The once-immersed debris and trees now protrude from the lakebed, signifying a dramatic shift in the landscape. Experts anticipate a long recovery, predicting it could take years for the dam's water levels and hydroelectric capabilities to rebound.

As Zambia looks to the skies, awaiting much-needed rainfall, the pressing question looms: Can the nation afford to sit idly by, relying on nature to resolve an energy crisis that is rapidly spiraling out of control? As climate conditions worsen globally, Zambia’s situation serves as a wake-up call regarding energy dependency and sustainability in a changing world.