Zambia Advances Nationwide Solar Expansion with $232 Million Energy Initiative

Zambia has moved a step closer to adding new solar power capacity after completing procurement for a nationwide programme that will install 156 solar plants in all 156 constituencies.

The initiative, which falls under the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative, is designed to strengthen energy security by spreading power generation across the country rather than relying solely on centralised supply. Each constituency is expected to host a 2MW solar facility.

Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Nicholas Phiri, said the programme represents an estimated investment of about $232 million. He made the remarks during a site visit and preparatory engagements ahead of a ground-breaking ceremony in Eastern Province.

Phiri noted that the project builds on President Hakainde Hichilema’s earlier commitment to expand renewable energy infrastructure as part of efforts to improve national power supply. The plan is also expected to support decentralised generation and ease pressure on the grid.

Eastern Province alone is projected to receive about 32MW of solar capacity under the scheme, with investments there valued at more than $23 million.

The programme is expected to boost local energy access while widening the country’s renewable energy footprint.