Zambia’s Government Delivers On Its Promise To Ramp Up Electricity Generation Capacity, With Solar Playing A Key Role

**Zambia Forges Ahead with Solar Power Revolution to Secure Energy Future** LUSAKA – Zambia is making significant strides in fulfilling its commitment to ramp up national electricity generation, with solar energy playing a crucial and expanding role in the country's power mix. This strategic shift is a direct response to the escalating challenges posed by climate change, which has severely impacted Zambia's predominantly hydropower-based energy infrastructure through recurrent droughts and diminished water levels in key reservoirs. The government's proactive measures aim to not only end the era of debilitating load shedding but also to lay a robust foundation for sustained economic development and industrialisation. Historically, Zambia has relied heavily on hydroelectric power, with over 80% of its electricity supply derived from this source. However, recent prolonged droughts, notably in 2024, exposed the inherent vulnerabilities of this over-reliance, leading to power deficits that, at their worst, subjected citizens to up to 20 hours of daily load shedding. This stark reality underscored the urgent need for diversification. In response, the Zambian government has embarked on an ambitious drive to increase its total installed generation capacity from 3,100 MW in 2021 to 4,576 MW by 2026, with a long-term vision to reach 10,000 MW by 2030 or 2031. Central to this energy transformation is the aggressive deployment of solar power. From a mere 88 MW in 2021, Zambia's solar capacity has surged to 841 MW by 2026, putting the nation firmly on track to achieve its target of 1,000 MW of solar generation capacity by the end of this year. Key projects like the Chisamba Solar Plant, which has been expanded to 200 MW, and the 136 MW Itimpi II Solar PV Plant, are testament to this rapid expansion. Furthermore, the government has launched the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative, a groundbreaking program that will see 156 constituencies each receive a 2 MW solar power