Zambia breaks ground on 20MW solar project in Lusaka

Zambia is aiming to add 1,000MW solar to its energy mix in a bid to to reduce its dependence on hydropower

Zambia has launched construction on a 20MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project at the Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) in Lusaka, as the country accelerates efforts to diversify its power mix and close an electricity supply gap exacerbated by climate shocks.

The project was officially launched on Thursday (29 January) by Kiyona Energy Limited, a subsidiary of state-owned utility ZESCO, and forms part of Zambia’s broader strategy to deliver 1,000MW of solar capacity under the government’s emergency power diversification programme.

Solar project to help mitigate lower hydro output in Zambia

The NRDC solar project is intended to support Zambia’s response to the 2024 drought, which significantly reduced hydropower output and exposed the country’s heavy reliance on climate-vulnerable generation sources.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, ZESCO Managing Director Justin Loongo said the project underscored the utility’s commitment to ensuring reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply.

“Renewable energy diversification is no longer optional; it is essential,” Loongo said, adding that the project would strengthen grid resilience and enhance national supply security.

Wider significance of solar project

Loongo said the project would also support skills development, noting that hosting a grid-connected solar plant within NRDC would create a link between energy infrastructure and education, with the institution producing skills for the energy sector.

Kiyona Energy Limited chief executive Engineer Clement Siame said 2MW of the plant’s capacity would be ring-fenced for NRDC, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for the institution. He said the project would create employment opportunities, support skills transfer and serve as a practical learning platform for students.

Attorney-General Mulilo Kabesha described the project as an example of sound governance and effective public-private cooperation, saying his office supported agreements that were legally robust, development-oriented and aligned with Zambia’s long-term national interests.

Project contractor Zambia Taiho Service Limited said construction was progressing on schedule. Chairman Zhou Biing said the project, which began construction in late November 2025, was on track to be energised and commissioned by early March.

Zambia pushing for increased solar

Energy Minister Makozo Chikote said the government was intensifying efforts to diversify Zambia’s energy mix in response to climate variability.

“While hydropower has served us well for decades, climate variability has reminded us of the urgency to diversify our energy mix and strengthen national energy security,” Chikote said.

Zambia’s 1,000MW solar target is a central pillar of the government’s strategy to reduce dependence on hydropower, which historically accounts for more than 80% of national electricity generation.

The target is being pursued through a combination of public-private partnerships, utility-led procurement by ZESCO and independent power producer developments supported by multilateral financing.

Cover photo:  Kiyona Energy Limited, a subsidiary of ZESCO broke ground for the 20MW solar project on 29 January. Source: ZESCO/Facebook