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ZESCO has reportedly added 125 megawatts (MW) of solar power to the national grid over the past three months, marking a significant step in its drive to achieve a diversified and resilient energy mix by 2026.
Managing Director, Justin Loongo, said the state utility was spearheading what he called a “solar explosion” programme, with more than 1,000MW in the pipeline.
“In the past three months, 125MW have been injected into the grid, and over 600MW are advancing through development with urgency,” Loongo told delegates at the 2025 Energy Forum for Africa in Lusaka on Wednesday.
He explained that ZESCO’s long-term vision goes beyond meeting Zambia’s domestic needs, aiming to position the country as a regional hub for electricity trade through expanded transnational interconnectors.
“By 2026, we envision a diversified, resilient energy mix where solar and other renewables complement hydropower, supported by grid investments, storage solutions and market reforms,” he said.
Loongo highlighted that ZESCO was evolving from a traditional utility into a market enabler. The utility has opened its grid to independent power producers, introduced net metering for industrial and retail customers, and is accelerating rural electrification through mini-grids.
He emphasised that private sector participation would be vital, noting that “bankability is now the standard” for all new projects.
Acknowledging the impact of recent droughts on hydro-dependent power systems across the region, Loongo said ZESCO was responding by adapting “at speed and scale” while building long-term resilience.
He further described the Energy Forum as a critical platform for “turning ambition into megawatts by uniting vision, policy and execution.”
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