EFF PRESIDENT KASONDE MWENDA SUES GOVERNMENT OVER ELECTRICITY EXPORTS
By Makasa chanda
Lusaka 29th October 2025
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Zambia president Kasonde Chrispus Mwenda has taken the Zambian government and its key energy institutions to court, accusing them of violating citizens’ constitutional rights by exporting electricity while locals face severe power shortages.
According to court documents filed in the High Court for Zambia, Principal Registry, Lusaka, Mwenda has applied for leave to commence judicial review proceedings against the Attorney General, the Minister of Energy, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), and the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO).
Mwenda argues that the export of electricity to neighboring countries during a time of national shortage is unconstitutional and breaches statutory obligations under the Electricity Act No. 11 of 2019. He claims that Zambians are being left with access to electricity for as little as four hours a day, while power continues to be exported abroad.
The application cites Sections 17 and 18 of the Electricity Act, which require authorities to prioritize domestic electricity needs and empower the Minister of Energy and ERB to declare an emergency to curtail exports in times of shortage.
“The continued exportation of electricity amidst prolonged load shedding amounts to a violation of Zambians’ constitutional right to access essential services,” the application reads in part.
Mwenda’s legal challenge is brought under Order 53 of the Rules of the Supreme Court (1965, White Book Edition), which governs applications for judicial review. The case seeks the court’s permission to proceed with a substantive hearing.
The respondents including the Attorney General, the Minister of Energy, ERB, and ZESCO are expected to respond once leave is granted.
This case comes amid growing public frustration over extended power cuts across the country, with some areas reportedly experiencing up to 20 hours of load shedding daily. Many Zambians have questioned the government’s decision to maintain power export agreements while domestic consumers endure blackouts.
If the High Court grants Mwenda’s application, the judicial review could force the government to reconsider or suspend electricity exports until national supply stabilizes.
CIC PRESS TEAM
It’s about time, too. Even if the judges may be compromised, Mwenda has done a good job putting this issue on record. There is too much corruption when it comes to handling of electricity. The corrupt people know that citizens know they are corrupt, but they do not care. They are very confident that they will be in power forever and will never see the inside of jail. Good luck to them. They should ask Hakainde what jail is like. He should be the last person to commit crimes, unless of course he did enjoy his 3 months in prison. Some people are twisted like that.
REJECT TRIBALISM, CORRUPTION AND OPPRESSION.
VOTE FOR CHANGE IN 2026.
How come it is the same people who always answering?
Can’t we sometimes just keep quiet? Some people sound so political and when you say vote for change it means your sole agenda is to campaign on the platform. For your own information, we are not the next exporter but actually net importer. We are importing far more than we are exporting. The southern Africa had created a pool where at a particular time, power is used by those that need it. Imagine that Mozambique right now goes to court and cancels what we get, you will have zero power. The 150MW being exported is a drop in the ocean.
The definition of insanity….one has to wonder what exists in some people’s brains.
When you think everything you have or is around you just falls from heaven and you are entitled.
The definition of Insanity is Exporting your Electricity to your neighbours and keeping your Country in darkness… erratic supply to Hospital Operating Theatres, Mortuary Refrigerators can’t work, Businesses Collapsed..and one thinks he is sane. That’s the definition of Insanity for me.
Is it true that the country is in total darkness? The answer is totally no.Does the country need some revenue? The answer is yes.Did the UPND government find some signed contracts on the supply or export of electricity? The answer is yes.Is it important to export? The answer is yes.Are there any benefits to export power? The answer is yes it is very beneficial.Who can benefit when the country gains enough revenue and forex ? The people of the country that exports especially the youths, because they will get employed in large numbers.The country can run smoothly with adequate food and good medical supply of medicine and equipment and many more important needs can be solved.What do you say to a person who says people are in total darkness? He is a liar and spreading false hoods.