Zambia has reached a significant milestone in its clean energy journey with the commissioning of the 100-megawatt Chisamba Solar Power Plant, the largest grid-connected solar facility in the country. Located in Central Province and built at a cost of $100 million, this landmark project reflects Zambia’s commitment to energy diversification and climate resilience especially critical in the face of frequent droughts that have reduced hydropower output.
President Hakainde Hichilema, who led the commissioning ceremony, called the project a bold stride toward energy sovereignty, a term that resonates deeply in a country where nearly 90% of electricity has historically come from hydropower. In recent years, however, shifting rainfall patterns linked to climate change have compromised Zambia’s ability to generate consistent power from its dams leading to blackouts, industry slowdowns, and growing public frustration.
The new Chisamba solar plant, built by PowerChina and financed through a partnership with Stanbic Bank Zambia, will generate clean electricity for First Quantum Minerals, one of the country’s largest mining operators. This arrangement, known as a dedicated energy supply model, is a strategic solution that both supports Zambia’s mining-driven economy and frees up more electricity for domestic consumption. The mine gets reliable, renewable energy, while Zambian homes and businesses benefit from improved grid stability.
“This is more than a power station..it is a symbol of our determination to own our energy future,” President Hichilema declared in his speech. “We are not just commissioning solar panels; we are commissioning hope, jobs, sustainability, and long-term economic growth.”
Indeed, the benefits of the Chisamba project stretch far beyond megawatt numbers. During its construction, it employed over 800 local workers, with long-term maintenance contracts expected to create new skilled jobs in the renewable energy sector. It is also designed with scalability in mind: if required, the plant can be expanded to increase capacity as Zambia’s energy needs grow.
Zambia’s push into solar comes at a time when many African nations are rethinking their energy strategies. The continent has long depended on hydrocarbon imports and volatile rainfall patterns for power generation. But with the price of solar panels dropping globally and private sector interest increasing, countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Namibia are rapidly scaling up solar capacity. Zambia, with its abundant sunlight and expanding infrastructure, is well-positioned to lead in this space.
What sets the Chisamba plant apart is its integration into Zambia’s broader development framework. The project aligns with the country’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainable energy access as a key driver of inclusive economic growth. It also contributes directly to Zambia’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while stimulating investment in green infrastructure.
International observers have praised Zambia’s model for balancing private sector involvement with national development goals. The partnership with First Quantum Minerals is seen as a template for future collaborations where mining, agriculture, and industrial sectors can decarbonize without sacrificing productivity. In an era where climate-conscious investing is gaining ground, such projects also boost Zambia’s attractiveness to foreign investors and development banks.
The Chisamba plant isn’t just lighting up the Zambian grid, it’s lighting up possibilities. It is a powerful message that Africa need not wait for external solutions to meet its energy and climate needs. With the right partnerships, political will, and infrastructure, the continent can craft a future powered by the sun.
As Zambia moves forward, the Chisamba project stands as a benchmark of what can be achieved when innovation, finance, and leadership align. It’s a clear signal that Zambia is serious about not only surviving the energy transition but leading it.