ZESCO Limited says Zambia has effectively become an energy sector construction site as the country rolls out massive investments in renewable energy alongside private sector players, in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s ambitious plan to nearly triple electricity generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts from the current more than 3,800MW.
The expansion strategy seeks to diversify the country’s energy mix through hydroelectric, solar and clean thermal power sources.
ZESCO Chief Operating Officer FitzPatrick Kapepe said this during a tour of the ZESCO-owned US$34 million Muzuma Solar Project and the US$70 million Cooma Solar Power Project in Choma District, Southern Province.
Under the Cooma Solar Power Plant Project, ZESCO has signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement as the sole off-taker, with both facilities expected to be commissioned by the end of December 2026.
Mr. Kapepe says the ongoing construction works are not only supporting Zambia’s energy diversification agenda but are also delivering tangible benefits to local communities.
The residents say they are already benefiting from employment opportunities created by the projects, enabling families to improve their incomes and keep young people productively engaged within their communities.
By Best Jere
