28 December 2012: A US$55 million loan agreement has been signed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Zambia to finance the Itezhi-Tezhi Hydro Power and Transmission Line Project, which will contribute to ensuring secure energy supply in the country.

The project will lead to the construction of a 120 megawatt hydropower dam and associated infrastructure, in addition to improved sanitation and housing for local communities, along the Kafue river. The hydropower facility will build on existing dam infrastructure and transmission lines in order to mitigate the current supply constraints experienced in Zambia and underpin its fast-growing economy. As Zambia’s first Public-Private Partnership within the energy sector, it will assist in putting the country’s economy on a low-carbon growth path. It will also benefit the local population through increased economic activity and improved sanitation supply. [AfDB Press Release][Itezhi-Tezhi Hydro Power and Transmission Line Project Assessment Documents]