Zambia, POWERCHINA Launch Solar Plant

Key Figures & Findings: Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has commissioned a 100 MW emergency solar power plant in Kabwe, delivered by Chinese state-owned firm POWERCHINA in partnership with national utility ZESCO. The inauguration, attended by Minister of Energy Peter Makozo Chikote and Chinese Embassy Counselor Wang Li, marked a strategic milestone in Zambia’s goal to reach 1,000 MW of solar capacity. Hichilema described the project as a “symbol of meaningful Zambia-China cooperation” and praised its grid connection as critical to economic growth and long-term energy resilience. POWERCHINA, with a global footprint in infrastructure and clean energy development, has ramped up activities across Sub-Saharan Africa in recent years.

Statistics & Insights: The plant was connected to Zambia’s national grid under an emergency solar deployment strategy. Zambia aims to reduce its fossil fuel reliance and improve electricity access for over 60% of its population currently underserved.

Future Implications: If scaled effectively, the Kabwe solar plant could accelerate Zambia’s target of 1,000 MW solar capacity by 2030 and attract further public-private investment in renewables. It may also reinforce China’s positioning as a long-term partner in Zambia’s energy transition.

Source: SolarQuarter