- Ignite Energy Access commissions 15 new solar mini-grids under Zambia’s Increase Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy Production programme.
- The programme, co-financed by the European Union, targets rural households, schools, health facilities, and small businesses.
- The mini-grid deployment aligns with global trends as solar decentralised systems gain traction for closing energy access gaps.
Zambia has taken a significant step forward in rural electrification with the commissioning of 15 new solar mini-grids by Ignite Energy Access. The installations are part of the country’s Increase Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy Production programme, co-financed by the European Union through the National Authorising Office. The ceremony was held at the 100 kilowatt peak Kumadzi Solar Mini-Grid in Chadiza District, Eastern Province.
The newly commissioned mini-grids are part of a broader rollout of decentralised energy systems designed to expand access to clean, reliable electricity in underserved rural communities. Ignite Energy Access has a pipeline of 60 mini-grids across Zambia, which, once operational, are expected to supply electricity to households, schools, health facilities and small businesses, enhancing local economic activity and social services.
Recent data from the International Renewable Energy Agency underscores the growing role of mini-grids in addressing energy access challenges. According to IRENA’s Off-grid Renewable Energy Statistics 2025 report, global solar mini-grid capacity has grown by 633 percent over the past decade, with a 187 percent increase since 2020, reflecting the accelerating adoption of decentralised energy solutions.
The commissioning event brought together national and local leaders, including Eastern Province Minister Peter Simon Phiri, Chadiza District Commissioner Malan Zimba, French Ambassador to Zambia Thomas Rossignol representing the European Union, traditional leaders, and representatives from the Rural Electrification Authority, the Ministry of Energy and Sagemcom Zambia. Their presence highlighted the importance of coordinated public and private partnerships in driving Zambia’s electrification agenda.
“The Kumadzi commissioning represents opportunity, resilience and progress,” said Yariv Cohen, chief executive officer of Ignite Energy Access. “By working hand in hand with the Government of Zambia, the EU and our partners, we are proving that decentralised renewable energy can deliver tangible impact at scale. Each connection brings us closer to our vision of connecting 100 million people across Africa to clean, affordable power, transforming energy systems and entire communities.”
Attendees also toured the solar generation facilities and visited a productive use of energy customer, a local hammer mill operator, demonstrating how reliable electricity supply is already supporting income-generating activities in rural areas.
“The commissioning of these 15 sites in Chadiza today is a shining example of what partnerships can achieve,” said Helen Zulu, managing director of Ignite Energy Access Zambia. “These mini-grids will bring sustainable energy to households and businesses, enabling families to light their homes, students to study after dark, and entrepreneurs to extend their business hours, fostering growth and reducing reliance on harmful fuels. Together, we are making clean energy access a universal right, not a privilege.”
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
