The Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) programme took center stage at the RENPOWER Zambia 2025 Conference held at the Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka in July. Organized under the theme “Unlocking Access to Green Energy Generation and Accelerating Grid Stability,” the conference served as a catalytic forum for stakeholders shaping Zambia’s energy future.
Hosted by influential energy players and featuring a ineup of presentations, Q&A sessions and expert panel discussions, the one-day event attracted a diverse assembly of developers, technology providers, financiers, policy makers, and regulators. The conference focused on critical topics including grid access, infrastructure, solar and wind potential, the role of energy storage systems, regulatory reform, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards, and unlocking financial solutions for sustainable energy initiatives.
Among the standout sessions was a panel discussion dedicated to rural electrification in Zambia where COMESA through ASCENT, outlined the programme’s ambitions to overcome barriers in bringing clean energy to remote regions.
Speaking on behalf of ASCENT, Technical Manager Mr. Ahid Maeresera emphasized the programme’s strategic role in driving socioeconomic transformation across Member States.
“While global investments in renewable energy are soaring, Africa receives less than 3% of that funding,” said Mr. Maeresera adding that, “this disparity has been blamed on policy barriers and effort has been directed and designing policy frameworks conducive for attracting investment.”
He however indicated that, the ASCENT PIU knows that 80% of projects being prepared in Africa fail between prefeasibility and feasibility stages which signals a need for an ASCENT component dedicated to project preparation to increase the number of projects prepared to bankability and investment readiness.
Backed by funding from the World Bank, ASCENT aims to bridge this gap by offering both technical and financial support.
Mr. Maeresera stressed that the previous assumption that energy access spontaneously leads to economic empowerment and wellbeing has been proven to be false adding that the two cannot be an afterthought of provision of energy access, but a critical mission.
“The ASCENT programme is actively supporting Member States in crafting bankable renewable energy projects guiding them from concept to implementation. Beyond financial backing, it also offers advisory support services to navigate technical challenges and regulatory hurdles.”
Capacity building emerged as a key theme, with Mr. Maeresera highlighting the need to fortify local institutions.
The RENPOWER Zambia 2025 conference ended on a high note, with ASCENT’s presence affirming COMESA’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable energy development. Delegates left with renewed motivation to collaborate across borders and sectors to realize Africa’s energy potential.