Zambia strengthens renewable energy expansion with 16 MW Lifesong Solar Power Plant in Copperbelt Province
Zambia’s ambition to generate 1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar power by the end of 2025 continues to gain traction, with the launch of the Lifesong Northrise 16 MW Solar Power Plant (Phase 1) in Ndola marking a major milestone in the country’s clean energy agenda.
The privately developed project will supply critical electricity to the national grid, helping to ease Zambia’s energy deficit while supporting industrial growth and national electrification efforts.
On 10 October 2025, state utility ZESCO Limited hosted a media tour of the Lifesong site to showcase its collaboration with private developers in scaling up renewable power generation.
ZESCO Board Chairperson, Mr. Vickson Ncube, underscored the importance of private sector participation in meeting Zambia’s rising energy needs.
“People are building homes across Zambia — from 2022 to date, ZESCO has connected over 400,000 households to the grid, translating to about 350 MW of new demand. Mines are reopening and require power to operate,” said Mr. Ncube. “Without corresponding growth on the supply side, the system will struggle. I commend Lifesong and their team for supporting our shared vision of energy security.”
According to project contractor Mr. Dirk Fourie, construction of the 16 MW facility is expected to be completed by December 2025, with commissioning and grid connection planned for early 2026.
The Lifesong Northrise plant is among 19 projects awarded under ZESCO’s 2024 tender for 300 MW of grid-tied solar capacity, a key initiative aimed at accelerating renewable energy generation through private investment.
Kiyona Energy Limited CEO, Engineer Clement Siame, highlighted the effectiveness of Zambia’s policy reforms — particularly the introduction of the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) framework — in attracting private capital and technical expertise to the power sector.
“Today, we see the tangible results of that vision,” said Siame. “Lifesong’s success reflects innovation, resilience, and the power of collaboration between government and private enterprise.”
The Lifesong Northrise Solar Project represents another step in Zambia’s journey toward energy diversification and self-sufficiency, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy future.
