Zambian govt says K4.3 billion solar contracts signed

Government says it has signed contracts worth more than K4.3 billion to roll out solar power plants in all of Zambia’s 156 constituencies under the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative (PCEI), a programme expected to add 312 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.

Speaking during the contract signing ceremony in Lusaka on Tuesday, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Nicholas Phiri, described the initiative as a major step towards expanding electricity access and supporting economic development across the country.

Phiri said the programme, which was approved by Cabinet in November 2025, will see the construction of 2-megawatt solar power plants in every constituency.

“The Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative is a transformative programme that will deliver 2-megawatt solar power plants in all the country’s 156 constituencies, adding a total of 312 megawatts to the national grid while driving economic growth and improving public service delivery,” he said.

He added that the initiative would also ensure that Zambia’s 70 newly created constituencies were included, promoting equitable access to energy infrastructure nationwide.

Phiri said the programme was expected to stimulate local economies through improved electricity supply, create employment opportunities during construction and operation, and enhance the delivery of public services.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Managing Director Jacques Lio said the consortium was committed to completing the projects on schedule and to the required standards.

“We are fully committed to delivering these projects on time and to the highest standards. We will work closely with Government and local communities to promote local employment, facilitate skills transfer and ensure that the implementation of these solar plants contributes to sustainable national development,” Lio said.

The Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative forms part of government’s broader efforts to increase power generation, diversify the country’s energy mix and improve electricity access through renewable energy investments.

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