Zambia Commissions Landmark 100MW Solar Plant as Hichilema Declares: “The Nation Is Back on Track”
Zambia Commissions Landmark 100MW Solar Plant as Hichilema Declares: “The Nation Is Back on Track”
Chisamba, Zambia – June 30, 2025
By Francis Maingaila, TipsNews Zambia Correspondent
In a resounding rebuttal to critics, President Hakainde Hichilema today commissioned Zambia’s largest solar power plant—a 100-megawatt (MW) facility in Chisamba—hailing it as proof of his administration’s commitment to energy security, job creation, and economic revival. The event, attended by government officials, investors, and local communities, also drew strong commendations from private sector leaders, including Mega Energy, which pledged to expand its solar solutions nationwide.
A New Era for Energy
The Chisamba Solar Plant, developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) between ZESCO, PowerChina, and Standing Investment Group, is the first phase of Zambia’s ambitious plan to deploy 1,000MW of renewable energy by 2030. A second 100MW phase is already slated for completion by May 2026, with construction set to begin next month.
President Hichilema, addressing a crowd of over 3,000 attendees, framed the project as a direct contrast to past failures:
“This is not a ribbon-cutting circus. It is a deliberate step in transforming Zambia’s energy security. While others made empty promises, we are delivering megawatts, jobs, and tangible progress.”
He linked the project’s success to Zambia’s recent debt restructuring breakthrough, emphasizing that fiscal discipline has unlocked investor confidence. “With breathing room from our debt negotiations, we are now investing in real development—clean, sustainable, and economically viable,” he declared.
Private Sector Applauds Progress
Mr. Freud Musanu, Managing Director of Mega Energy, praised the government’s renewable energy push, stating:
“This movement is rapidly delivering energy solutions to the people. Mega Energy is proud to complement these efforts by providing affordable residential solar systems to both rural and urban communities in a timely manner.”
Musanu’s remarks underscored the growing synergy between public and private sectors in Zambia’s energy transition. Mega Energy, a key player in distributed solar solutions, has been expanding its footprint across the country, aligning with the government’s vision for universal electricity access.
Defending Policy, Dismissing Detractors
Without naming opponents, Hichilema took aim at critics of his administration’s mining tax policies, particularly regarding First Quantum Minerals’ $1.5 billion investment in the Kansanshi S3 expansion:
“First Quantum remains Zambia’s largest taxpayer. Those shouting about tax holidays are either misinformed or deliberately misleading the public. They failed when they were in power—we are succeeding.”
He also dismissed opposition rallies as “noise”, urging Zambians to judge leaders by results, not rhetoric.
Local Impact and Regional Ambitions
- Jobs: Over 4,000 temporary jobs were created during construction, with 1,000+ locals employed.
- Economic Boost: The plant is expected to power local businesses, farms, and households, reducing reliance on erratic grid supply.
- Regional Exports: Once domestic demand is met, Zambia plans to export surplus power via the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).
Read More:
$26.5 million solar project slated for Sesheke as six firms partner to develop plant to boost regional trade | Zambia Monitor: Zambia Commissions Landmark 100MW Solar Plant as Hichilema Declares: “The Nation Is Back on Track”Energy Minister Makozo Chikote called the plant “a beacon for Zambia’s energy future,” highlighting its 10-month construction timeline and debt-free financing. PowerChina’s Chen Guanfu noted the project’s 4,000+ jobs and local skills development, while ZESCO’s Justine Longo projected that such investments could help grow Zambia’s economy beyond $50 billion.
Central Province’s Rising Star
Central Province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa revealed that the region has attracted $1.2 billion in new investments, particularly in agriculture and mining. Chisamba MP Chushi Kasanda hailed the solar plant for “transforming livelihoods” through jobs and CDF-funded education initiatives.
The Road Ahead
With additional 100MW plants planned for Serenje, Chipata, and Choma, Zambia’s renewable energy pipeline signals a decisive shift from hydropower dependency to a diversified, climate-resilient grid. As Hichilema concluded:
“State House is not for sleeping—it’s a workstation. We are here to fix what was broken, and this solar plant is proof we are on track.”
- Zambia’s Energy Policy 2025 – Official government portal on renewable energy plans.
- Mega Energy’s Solar Solutions – Learn about their residential solar programs.
- PowerChina in Africa – Global projects and Zambia partnerships.
- Southern African Power Pool – Regional energy trade insights.
- First Quantum’s Kansanshi Expansion – Details on the $1.5B investment.
