- Chisamba Solar Complex capacity doubles to 200 MW with US$70 million investment.
- Project delivered in about seven months, creating over 1,400 local jobs.
- Government unveils 312 MW distributed solar plan to strengthen energy security.
Zambia has commissioned a 100 MW expansion of the Chisamba Solar Complex, taking total capacity at the site to 200 MW as the country accelerates efforts to stabilise power supply and reduce reliance on hydropower.
President Hakainde Hichilema inaugurated the new plant, describing it as a critical step in diversifying Zambia’s energy mix following the severe 2024 drought that disrupted hydropower generation. The Ministry of Energy confirmed the US$70 million project was completed in roughly seven months and created more than 1,400 jobs for local workers.
The additional capacity is expected to ease electricity shortages and support key industries, particularly mining, which has faced significant power constraints in recent years. Improved supply reliability is also expected to support broader economic activity.
Alongside the commissioning, the government announced a 312 MW distributed solar initiative aimed at deploying generation capacity across multiple locations. The programme is designed to improve grid resilience and expand access to electricity in regional communities. Read more
The latest developments align with Zambia’s target to install 1 GW of solar capacity by the end of 2026. This forms part of a wider strategy to scale total national generation capacity to 10 GW by 2030, positioning solar as a central pillar of the country’s future energy mix.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
