Zambian Minister of Energy Kenneth Konga on Tuesday requested Egyptian assistance in developing the southern African nation's energy capacity. Konga said his country suffers from electricity shortages despite adequate availability of water and natural resources. In press statements following a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Younis in Cairo, Konga urged the establishment of Egyptian-Zambian partnerships aimed at manufacturing and maintaining energy equipment. Konga's visit comes after the two countries signed a memorandum on electricity and renewable energy cooperation, according to Younis. The accord specifically targets the establishment of hydroelectric power plants. Younis also revealed that Egyptian representatives, in collaboration with the Zambian government, established a cable factory to cater for the needs of the Zambian market and those of neighboring African countries. The two ministers also discussed the implementation of training programs for Zambian technicians at Egyptian electricity sector training centers.
