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The government has officially broken ground for the 100-megawatt (MW) Chipata West solar power project, a move expected to ease electricity shortages and drive socio-economic development in Eastern Province and across Zambia.
Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, described the initiative as a milestone under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, coming less than two months after the commissioning of the Chisamba 100MW solar plant.
Speaking on behalf of the minister, Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr. Lewis Mwape, at the ceremony in Chief Chinyaku’s chiefdom on Saturday, emphasized that the project would provide clean electricity to surrounding communities, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigate the impact of climate change.
“It is a true demonstration of our President’s vision for a fully electrified Zambia where solar contributes significantly,” Chikote said.
He outlined government’s Solar Explosion initiative, aimed at expanding renewable energy generation, improving access to clean power, and reducing Zambia’s carbon footprint. Under the initiative, ZESCO has already rolled out solar projects in Chisamba and Serenje, with similar plants planned nationwide.
“This means many families and small businesses who could not previously afford power will now switch on their lights,” the Minister added.
Chikote also highlighted key reforms driving growth in the energy sector, including the 2024 Net Metering Regulations, which have allowed 190 customers to contribute 10MW of excess solar power to the national grid, the Electricity Open Access Regulations, which permit private sector participation, and the Energy Single Licensing System, which has streamlined project approvals.
Additionally, the National Electricity Advancement Transformation (NEAT) programme has reduced connection fees from K4,864 to K300, with the Rural Electrification Authority covering the difference.
“With projects like this, we are moving together toward a brighter, safer, more connected Zambia,” Chikote said.
ZESCO Chief Operations Officer, Peter Chamfya, reaffirmed the utility’s commitment to scaling up renewable energy.
He said ZESCO was collaborating with the private sector, including China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), to implement the Chipata West project and reduce the country’s power deficit.
“The solar plant will take 12 months to complete and will directly support households, businesses, schools, and health facilities in Eastern Province. Contractors were urged to employ and empower locals, treat workers fairly, and ensure timely delivery,” Chamfya said.
In a vote of thanks, Chief Chinyaku welcomed the investment, highlighting the job opportunities it will create, particularly for young people, and cautioned residents against vandalizing infrastructure, warning that such behaviour would undermine development meant to uplift their lives.
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