Zambia to Deploy 312 MW of Solar Across the Nation

The Zambian government signed contracts with five companies to build 312 MW of decentralized solar power plants in 156 constituencies. These projects are part of the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative, aiming to address power deficits and expand renewable energy access nationwide.

The contractors, including Zambian firms partnered with Chinese companies, will also install 4 MWh battery storage systems at each location. The initiative represents a $238.1 million investment and is expected to create 15,600 jobs.

Local authorities will hold equity in the plants, providing a sustainable revenue stream for community development. Zambia already has 1.15 GW of operational solar capacity, with an additional 1.64 GW under construction, positioning the country as a growing hub for renewable energy investment in Africa. The new plants have a 12-month construction timeline and will connect directly to the national grid managed by Zesco.