- Zambia’s Ministry of Energy has reduced the approval period for solar project applications from over six months to just 48 hours, marking a decisive step toward fast-tracking private sector investment in renewable energy.
- This reform is part of efforts to meet the Presidential Directive of adding 1000 megawatts (MW) of solar energy to the national grid by the end of 2025.
Minister of Energy, Hon Makozo Chikote, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the growth of the solar energy sector by providing an efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly environment. By cutting the approval period to 48 hours, the Government has removed the lengthy administrative delays that previously hindered project development.
Mr. Chikote said the streamlined process will help investors move forward faster and contribute to the accelerated expansion of solar power in Zambia. This initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader agenda to create an enabling environment for renewable energy investment. By simplifying procedures, investors can begin generating power sooner, resulting in quicker economic returns and improved energy access.
Mr Chikote has also appealed to local authorities and traditional leaders to play an active role by availing land for solar energy projects. He noted that access to land is a critical component in the successful rollout of solar infrastructure, and that grassroots collaboration is vital to ensure timely implementation and shared benefits for communities.
The Ministry is also enhance the investment climate through clear policy frameworks, simplified procedures, and bankable power purchase agreements that make solar energy projects more attractive and commercially viable. He said the Ministry remains open to consultations and stands ready to offer technical support for any proposals aimed at increasing electricity generation.
All stakeholders with innovative energy solutions should engage the Ministry and be part of the collective efforts to strengthen the country’s energy security. Private sector involvement is essential to achieving the 1000MW solar target, and the Ministry urges both local and international investors to seize this opportunity to help build a greener and more energy-resilient Zambia.
Zambia continues to experience a significant electricity deficit, worsened by the severe drought of 2024, which exposed the dangers of overdependence on hydropower. The impact on households and businesses has been substantial, underlining the urgent need to diversify energy sources.
Accelerating investment in solar energy is therefore critical to meeting rising demand and creating a more reliable, sustainable, and climate-resilient energy sector.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
