Zambia has commissioned the 100-megawatt (MW) Chisamba Phase II Solar Power Plant, marking another step in its efforts to reduce electricity load-shedding and strengthen energy security.
The facility, valued at $70 million, doubles the Chisamba Solar Complex's generating capacity to 200MW, making it Zambia's largest single solar installation, according to the Ministry of Energy. The project was initially estimated to cost $100 million.
The launch follows the commissioning of the project's first phase in June 2025.
Speaking at the launch in Central Province, President Hakainde Hichilema said government investment and policy reforms were expanding electricity generation.
"Every megawatt we add means more homes with the lights on, more businesses running at full capacity, and more jobs for our people," he said.
"This plant is proof that our energy reforms are working. By opening up the sector, we have attracted serious private investment, and more plants like this are now being built across the country."
The President said Zambia is diversifying its energy mix by expanding hydro, solar and thermal generation to reduce the impact of drought on electricity supply.
The Ministry of Energy said Central Province is becoming an important energy hub, with projects expected to increase electricity generation to 437MW by the end of the year.
State-owned utility ZESCO said the additional power will be fed into the national grid.
Zambia also reaffirmed its target of deploying 1,000MW of solar capacity by the end of the year as part of its goal of reaching 10,000MW of installed electricity generation capacity by 2030.
Share