Zambia is accelerating a shift toward solar energy to reduce its heavy reliance on hydropower and improve electricity supply reliability.
On December 17, 2025, authorities launched construction of the 100 MW Siavonga solar photovoltaic project, a development valued at $80 million.
According to Ecofin Agency, The project is being developed by ZESCO Limited through its joint venture, JIGSCO Energy Corporation Limited, in partnership with Jigsaw Investments, with Power China serving as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor.
Commercial commissioning is planned for December 2026, and the project is intended to strengthen energy security and enhance grid resilience as climate-related pressures continue to affect hydropower generation.
Two days later, on December 19, the government launched construction of another 100 MW solar facility, Chisamba Phase II.
The Ministry of Energy said the project aligns with Zambia’s national strategy to diversify its electricity mix and reduce the power system’s vulnerability.
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The solar expansion continued into early 2026 with progress in Mansa, in Luapula Province. Pre-commissioning tests of a 50 MW solar plant injected about 14 MW into the national grid, exceeding local peak demand of 9 MW.
This helped eliminate daytime load shedding in Mansa and partially in Kasama, with full commissioning expected in April 2026.
At the same time, solar development extended into the Southern Province, which hosts Zambia’s main hydropower infrastructure.
On December 4 and December 8, 2025, authorities and ZESCO launched construction of a 100 MW solar plant in Chirundu, a 35 MW solar plant in Choma, and a 330 kV transmission line.
The Chirundu and Choma projects are located in the same zone as the Kafue Gorge Upper, Kafue Gorge Lower, and Kariba North Bank hydropower dams, which together form the backbone of the country’s electricity generation.
According to the International Energy Agency, hydropower accounted for about 90% of Zambia’s electricity generation in 2023.
With several solar plants already operating and more under construction across multiple provinces, Zambia is now laying the groundwork for a more diversified and resilient power system.
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Image Credit: Further Africa
