Govt, partners sign deal to deploy 50 megawatts of solar energy in Eastern Province

The government has formalized a strategic partnership with Zambian firm, Accura Logistics, and international investor, Baker Global Capital Africa, for the deployment of 50 megawatts (MW) of solar energy across 209 public institutions in Eastern Province.

The initiative is part of a broader government agenda to add 1,000MW of solar energy to Zambia’s national grid by the end of 2025, according to Energy Minister Makozo Chikote.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lusaka on Monday, Chikote said the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to implementing practical energy solutions.

He explained that the installations would benefit critical public institutions, including schools and hospitals, thereby improving service delivery and raising the quality of life in rural communities.

“This partnership between a local Zambian company and a global financial institution is a clear sign of growing investor confidence in Zambia’s economy,” Chikote said.

He attributed this confidence to the stable, transparent, and accountable leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government, which he claimed had enacted reforms to establish a predictable and investor-friendly environment.

Chikote added that under the UPND administration, Zambia had moved beyond rhetoric to real implementation, with the signing ceremony serving as proof of tangible progress.

He assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Energy remained committed to ensuring the success of this and other projects under the Presidential Solar Initiative through streamlined regulations, coordinated oversight, and strong policy support.

“Zambia is open for business and is building an inclusive, clean-energy economy focused on the needs and aspirations of its people,” Chikote reaffirmed.

Earlier, Baker Global Capital Africa Founder and Principal Officer Douglas Baker expressed joy at supporting long-term solutions to Zambia’s electricity challenges.

He underscored his company’s commitment to delivering high-quality solar solutions that would benefit the Zambian people and advance national development goals.

Accura Logistics Chief Executive Officer, Chola Katai, also thanked the government for its support to local businesses, saying the conducive policy environment had enabled meaningful local participation in the renewable energy sector.

Katai pledged his company’s full commitment to the partnership with Baker Global Capital Africa and the successful execution of the project.

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