Owen Silavwe:
Leading Change in Zambia’s Energy Sector
I had the pleasure of meeting Owen Silavwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), amidst the lively, rustic atmosphere of Prime Joint, a steakhouse that has gained a reputation as arguably among the best in Zambia. Owen describes Prime Joint as his go-to for a medium-done rib-eye steak. Our conversation over this meal revealed the intricacies of his career while painting a vivid picture of his journey from humble beginnings in Mufulira to leading an institution that is a key player in Zambia’s energy sector.
Owen’s story began in Mufulira, a small mining town on Zambia’s Copperbelt, where he spent his formative years. Growing up in the township of Kankoyo. Having seldom ventured beyond the Copperbelt, he considered his hometown the best place on earth. Like many mining townships established around Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM), Kankoyo housed a spirited community of mine workers and their families. The little township provided a backdrop filled with activity, shaping young Owen’s mind. An avid footballer, he would play for hours on end, undeterred by the sandy pitches.
A loving yet disciplined family environment moulded his upbringing. His father, a teacher, instilled in him values of respect and equality, treating everyone—regardless of age—with dignity. Owen’s mother, a housewife, exemplified industriousness by supplementing the household income with small, informal businesses, reflecting the resilience typical of Zambian households. Growing up in a family of 11—nine boys and two girls—Owen recalls a dynamic that fostered a sense of togetherness while laying the foundation for the values he carries into his career today.
The trouble is, the longer you stay in a role, the more you risk losing enthusiasm and commitment. You must either rediscover yourself, or you stagnate.
— Owen Silavwe,
CEC, Managing Director and CEO.
His academic prowess and drive for success became evident when he matriculated as the top IGSCE national student. Owen credits his success to the competitive environment his parents and teachers cultivated. This environment imbued him with ambition and an affinity for mathematics and sciences, eventually guiding him towards a future in engineering.
In the late 1990s, Owen joined the power division of ZCCM, which later evolved into Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), as an electrical engineer. His career progression was meteoric, fuelled by dedication and a commitment to excellence. He consistently secured promotions into senior roles every two years. “One of the remarkable aspects of my career is the pace at which I was privileged to advance—a journey I consider both humbling and rewarding,” Owen shared. “Working across various departments, I quickly recognised that I was becoming a generalist—overseeing engineering processes, people, and finance. However, I began to sense gaps in my knowledge, which conflicted with my belief in continuous growth,” he explained.
Motivated to bridge these gaps, Owen took a sabbatical to pursue a Master’s in Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. Upon his return, his upward trajectory at CEC continued, with leadership recognising his potential. He was selected to participate in a leadership programme to prepare for executive roles. This ignited another growth phase; seeking to enhance his skills further, he pursued an MBA at the prestigious IMD Business School in Switzerland.
Owen’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that leadership is a teachable skill that can be developed and it evolves with context and experience, drawing from his own experience as he transitioned from peer to leader. He likens it to the role of airline stewards, who begin by catering to passengers’ needs, transitioning into an authoritative role during the flight. “I believe in cultivating trust and empathy with my team while striving to remain authentic to my values,” Owen explains.
I believe in cultivating trust and empathy with my team while striving to remain authentic to my values.
— Owen Silavwe,
CEC, Managing Director and CEO.
With over a decade of leadership under his belt at C-suite, Owen understands the perils of complacency. “The trouble is, the longer you stay in a role, the more you risk losing enthusiasm and commitment. You must either rediscover yourself, or you stagnate,” he states. For Owen, the key to maintaining passion lies in witnessing CEC’s growth and impact on Zambian communities and the nation.
CEC’s role in Zambia’s development is best exemplified during the 2023/24 drought. The corporation has been vital in supporting stable energy supply to CEC’s mining and industrial customer base, both in Zambia and the Democratic of Congo. This demonstrates CEC’S resilience through innovative solutions, that include the registration of a $200 million green bond for renewable energy projects. Under Owen’s leadership, CEC continuous to play an important role in the diversification of Zambia’s energy mix. The corporation has funded projects such as the 34MW Riverside Solar Plant and the 60MW Itimpi 1 Project, with a 136MW solar facility under construction, set for completion at the end of 2025. Working with partners, it’s planned to generate over 500MW of solar power across the country.
CEC’s support for Zambia’s mining sector, critical to achieving the goal of producing 3 million metric tonnes of copper by 2030, has also been significant. To mitigate energy challenges, CEC is importing additional power from regional sources. Imminently, the corporation plans to support and collaborate with SMEs to develop 30MW of energy projects, where CEC will provide technical expertise and acts as an anchor off-taker for these initiatives, helping SMEs overcome financial barriers while reinforcing their role in Zambia’s economy.
Despite his demanding role, Owen has cultivated a healthy work-life balance. Wrapping up core tasks by 4:30 PM, he dedicates evenings to personal development and family time. A lifelong football fan, he supports Power Dynamos FC, nicknamed Aba Yellow, while staying true to his roots as a supporter of Mufulira Wanderers.
When asked what superpower he would choose, Owen enthusiastically responds, “Endless energy. Sometimes you want to do more, but you tire and need to recharge—endless energy would change that.” His advice to younger professionals? Set clear goals early, secondly, “marry at the right age. Nothing brings me more joy than my family and it’s important to have a partner to build a life with and continually acquire new skills. “Never settle—keep growing and pursuing knowledge,” he says.
· Mufulira ku Chalo: Owen’s educational journey began at Chankwa Primary School and Kantanshi Secondary School before earning his engineering degree at the University of Zambia.
· Destination Florence: Inspired by a book, Owen’s visit to Florence exceeded all expectations, making it his favourite destination.
· A Gentleman and a Scholar: Owen is always in pursuit of knowledge. Pursuing two master’s degrees to bridge knowledge gaps exemplifies his commitment to growth.
· Go Together: Raised with ten siblings, Owen embraces ubuntu and teamwork, believing, “To go far, go together.”
