The President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to achieving an energy-secure Zambia, saying the construction of the 100 Megawatt Kasama Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project marks another significant milestone in diversifying the country’s electricity generation.
Speaking through Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa during the groundbreaking ceremony in Sombe Village in Kasama District, President Hichilema said the project demonstrates the government’s resolve to expand reliable electricity supply and drive national development.
“Today, we are not simply launching the construction of a solar power plant; we are essentially taking another step towards building an energy-secure Zambia,” he said.
President Hichilema said the US$84.2 million project, financed through ZESCO’s equity under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction arrangement, will improve the country’s energy mix, create employment, reduce carbon emissions and stimulate socio-economic development.
He noted that Zambia could no longer rely predominantly on hydropower due to changing rainfall patterns, stressing the need for a diversified electricity system.
“We must, therefore, build a balanced and diversified electricity system comprising solar, hydropower, wind, appropriate baseload generation, energy storage and stronger transmission and distribution networks,” he said.
The President further stated that the government is targeting to increase Zambia’s electricity generation capacity to about 10,000 megawatts within the next five years to support industrialisation, mining, agriculture and job creation.
He directed ZESCO, the contractor and all government institutions involved in the project to ensure the solar plant is completed within the scheduled 12-month implementation period.
President Hichilema also underscored the importance of expanding electricity access to households, schools, health facilities and businesses across the country, saying additional power generation must translate into improved livelihoods and economic opportunities.
He added that government would continue to welcome credible public and private investment in the energy sector while ensuring projects are implemented efficiently.
And Northern Province Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms. Beauty Undi-Phiri, said the US$84.2 million Kasama 100 Megawatt Solar PV Project is a transformative investment that will strengthen electricity infrastructure, create employment opportunities and unlock the province’s economic potential.Ms. Undi-Phiri said the project will stimulate economic activity during its 12-month construction period and continue benefiting the province throughout its operational life, adding that reliable electricity is critical to the growth of key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, commerce, manufacturing and value addition.
She further urged local entrepreneurs to position themselves to benefit from the investment by registering their businesses, maintaining proper financial records and complying with tax, labour, safety and quality standards.
ZESCO Managing Director Engineer Justin Loongo said the 100-megawatt Kasama Solar PV Project is a major step towards diversifying Zambia’s electricity generation mix and improving the reliability of power supply.
Meanwhile, China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the 100-megawatt Kasama Solar PV Project to the highest standards, describing the investment as another milestone in the growing cooperation between Zambia and China in the renewable energy sector.
