Two of Zambia’s leading power players—ZESCO Limited and Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Plc—have joined forces in a landmark partnership to accelerate the nation’s transition to solar energy.
Announced during a recent tour of CEC’s solar installations in Kitwe, the collaboration aims to fast-track solar project development through a joint planning team that will coordinate efforts, optimize resources, and avoid duplications across the energy landscape.
“This is about building a unified national response,” said ZESCO Chairman Vickson Ncube. “By aligning our strategies and seeking resources as a team, we stand a greater chance of success.”
CEC, a dominant player in Zambia’s power sector and a major electricity supplier to mining operations in both Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is significantly ramping up its solar capacity. Backed by Zambia’s first green bond—a $200 million issuance launched in 2024—CEC plans to scale its solar output to 230 megawatts peak.
Together, the ZESCO–CEC planning team has set its sights on developing 500 megawatts of new solar capacity, with targeted projects in the Northern and Southern provinces. This initiative aligns with the Zambian government’s broader energy vision: achieving at least 1,000 megawatts of installed solar capacity by the end of 2025.
ZESCO is also making major strides. The state-owned utility is preparing to commission a 100-megawatt solar plant in Chisamba—its first large-scale renewable energy facility—signaling a critical step in the country’s shift toward sustainable power.
CEC Board Chairman London Mwafulilwa emphasized that cooperation between the public and private sectors is essential to scale up clean energy.
“Collaboration is the biggest takeaway from our experience,” he said. “We’re not just ready to share lessons—we’re ready to help set national benchmarks and specifications for future solar projects.”
He also issued a call to action, urging the joint planning team to be operational by the end of June to address Zambia’s rising electricity demand.
“A lack of reliable power holds back development. The demand is already here. This is our moment to act.”
Both ZESCO and CEC reaffirmed their commitment to supporting government efforts to expand the nation’s renewable energy portfolio. And according to Mwafulilwa, Zambia may be aiming too low.
“Frankly, 1,000 megawatts might be a modest target,” he said. “With the momentum we’re seeing and the scale of need, we believe there’s potential to go even further.”
