The UK and Zambia have signed a deal to ensure more householders in the Southern African nation have access to solar energy.

They have committed to accelerate the expansion of the household solar market and increase electricity access for all Zambians under the Energy Africa Partnership Agreement.

According to the British High Commission Lusaka, the decreasing cost of solar panels, improvements in battery technology and energy efficiency as well as the spread of mobile payment systems have created an opportunity for the household solar market.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka, Bruce Lawson-McDowall, Head of the UK Department for International Development (DFID) Zambia said: “We recognise the challenges that Zambia is currently facing with the on-grid energy sector and the opportunities this presents to unlock the potential of the household solar market.

“The Energy Africa campaign seeks to secure the policy commitments, technical assistance and financing needed to transform the energy access landscape.”

In addition, the UK is supporting access to affordable clean energy through programmes such as the Western Power Ngonye Falls hydropower project.

The European Commission is also providing a €65 million (£55.92m) grant to improve access to energy in Zambia.