My time in Zambia as a Summer Associate of the Southern African Institute for Policy and Research (SAIPAR) opportunity funded by The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago was a transformative experience that not only broadened my understanding of development and policymaking but also deepened my commitment to making a difference in the areas of climate change, energy, and governance.
Working alongside an incredible team to design a project to enhance rural resilience to drought, implement sustainable energy solutions, empower
youth, and advance decentralization efforts gave me invaluable insights into the complex dynamics between energy reliability and sustainable development. The context of Zambia, with its rich natural resources and pressing climate challenges, served as the perfect environment to understand the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
One of the most significant takeaways from my time in Zambia was the firsthand experience of the immense challenges a sub-Saharan country faces due to climate change. Being in the field allowed me to see how deeply interconnected environmental changes are with everyday life. Zambia, a country that relies heavily on hydropower for its electricity generation, has been hit hard by prolonged droughts, drastically reducing water levels in key reservoirs. As a result, during my time there, the country faced 12 hours of load shedding daily (now electricity cuts are 17 hours), meaning that the electrified population, usually centered in cities, went without electricity for extended periods. This experience underscored the vulnerability of Zambia’s energy system, which, despite its potential for clean energy through hydropower, becomes severely unreliable in the face of shifting climate patterns. The frequent power outages disrupted businesses, affected schools, and created additional burdens for households struggling with other socioeconomic challenges. It was a stark reminder that climate change is not just an abstract concept but a real experience that hampers development, disrupts livelihoods, and further stresses already fragile infrastructures. This highlighted the urgent need for more diversified and resilient energy sources, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where the effects of climate change are becoming
increasingly severe.
Beyond the technical learning, what truly marked my experience was the warmth and resilience of the Zambian people. From engaging with local stakeholders to understanding the aspirations of underserved youths and women, I was constantly inspired by their strength and commitment to improving their lives. Their stories, struggles, and hopes have only reinforced my desire to continue work in policy advisory, especially within developing contexts.
In conclusion, my experience in Zambia was both professionally enriching and deeply personal. It exposed me to the profound challenges that climate change, energy insecurity, and governance pose to developing nations while highlighting the resilience and determination of the people facing these issues. From the complexities of addressing Zambia’s energy crisis to the need for more inclusive, long-term development strategies, I gained a deeper understanding of the real-world implications of policy decisions. This experience has strengthened my resolve to continue working in climate and energy policy, particularly in contexts where sustainable solutions can empower underserved communities and drive equitable progress. Zambia’s journey toward resilience is ongoing, and my time there has left me committed to playing a role in shaping policies that support sustainable development and inclusive growth for all.