Zambia is considering a proposal from a Chinese-owned company to build a coal-fired power plant worth $900 million. This comes as the country is grappling with severe electricity shortages caused by an unprecedented drought.

The ongoing dry spell, which is the worst in over a century, has had a significant impact on hydro-electricity generation, which accounts for 85% of Zambia's power supply. As a result, households and businesses are experiencing prolonged power outages, sometimes lasting more than a day.

The drought has also posed challenges for major copper producers like First Quantum Minerals Ltd., who are struggling to maintain production levels and have resorted to importing expensive electricity to keep their operations running.