Purpose:
Research Methods International was contracted by UNIDO under the Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) – Zambia Country Window to provide technical services supporting the development and strengthening of energy efficiency policies, regulatory frameworks, and market systems for industrial and productive-use energy-efficient appliances.

The assignment aims to generate robust evidence to inform Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), strengthen regulatory enforcement and quality assurance systems, and support inclusive market development, while assessing the capacity, readiness, and constraints of Zambia’s local manufacturing and appliance value chains.

Scope and Approach:

The consultancy applies a rigorous, gender-responsive, mixed-methods approach, including:

• A comprehensive market study of on-grid and off-grid energy-efficient appliances;
• Policy, regulatory, and standards gap analysis aligned with national and SADC frameworks;
• Mapping and assessment of the local manufacturing and assembly sector, including skills, testing, certification, and value chains;
• Extensive stakeholder engagement across government, regulators, manufacturers, importers, utilities, financiers, and women-led enterprises; and
• Facilitation of a national stakeholder validation workshop to build consensus on priority actions.

Status:
Ongoing. The inception phase has been completed, with market surveys, stakeholder consultations, and manufacturing sector assessments currently underway. Final policy recommendations and a validated action framework are scheduled for delivery in 2026.