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 Zambia’s refugee settlements and surrounding host communities.

The three institutions have signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), an Acceptance Agreement for the Meheba Grid Extension Project was also signed.

The renewed agreement builds on the partners’ work in Meheba, Kalumbila District, where a grid extension project brought electricity infrastructure to Meheba A, Meheba B and Kananga. The new partnership will explore electrification opportunities in other settlements, including Mayukwayukwa and Mantapala.

REA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Alex Mbumba said the institutions must now move from the signing of the agreement to technical assessments, project preparation, resource mobilisation and implementation.

UNHCR Representative for the multi country Office covering Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe Ms. Helen Mebrahtu said electricity could create opportunities well beyond the connection itself.

The partners will undertake feasibility studies and work together to mobilise resources for viable projects that benefit refugees and the communities hosting them.