A new solar project with a capacity of 67 MWp is being developed in Zambia's Central Province, near Chisamba. The project, a collaboration between Solarcentury Africa and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), aims to provide power to large industrial users in the region. The site's proximity to the ZESCO national transmission backbone provides strategic value, enabling easy connection to the grid and reducing transmission losses.
Under the agreement, IDC has secured the site and completed initial technical studies, while Solarcentury Africa will lead project development, design, financing, and delivery through to financial close. The partnership framework has been established through Heads of Terms, but financial close and construction start dates have not been confirmed. The project's location in Central Province will reduce dependence on power from southern generation centres, improving supply reliability for anchor off-takers.
The project is expected to have a positive impact on Zambia's energy sector, particularly in terms of reducing transmission losses and improving power supply reliability. With the country's solar capacity growing, the 67 MWp plant will contribute to the national pipeline, which includes utility-scale projects from ZESCO, Copperbelt Energy Corporation, and Solarcentury Africa. By mid-2026, Zambia's installed solar photovoltaic capacity stood at approximately 841 MW.
The agreement between Solarcentury Africa and IDC creates a clear path from industrial power demand to new renewable supply, positioning Solarcentury Africa as the project's financing lead. This role is likely to attract attention from development finance institutions and private lenders active in southern Africa. Solarcentury Africa brings regional credentials to the partnership, having developed the Mailo Phase I project, a 25 MWp plant in Zambia.
For IDC, the project supports its mandate to strengthen Zambia's industrial base, and its involvement signals government-level commitment to the project's progress. Zambia's policy direction favours diversified electricity supply and higher renewable generation, and the 67 MWp plant aligns with this strategy. The project addresses a structural gap in reliable and affordable power for industrial consumers, which has long constrained private sector expansion.
Key milestones to watch include the completion of development studies, the finalisation of grid arrangements, and the securing of off-take agreements. Investors and industrial users should also track the financing structure and the date of financial close. The project's progress will be crucial in meeting Zambia's energy needs and supporting the growth of its industrial sector.
The partnership between Solarcentury Africa and IDC demonstrates a clear commitment to developing Zambia's renewable energy sector. With the country's energy strategy focused on diversified electricity supply and higher renewable generation, the 67 MWp solar project is an important step towards achieving these goals. As the project moves forward, it is likely to have a positive impact on Zambia's energy landscape and support the growth of its industrial sector.
Key points
- The 67 MWp solar project will reduce dependence on power from southern generation centres and improve supply reliability for industrial users in Central Province.
- The project's proximity to the ZESCO national transmission backbone provides strategic value and enables easy connection to the grid.
- The partnership between Solarcentury Africa and IDC signals government-level commitment to the project's progress and supports Zambia's policy direction favouring diversified electricity supply and higher renewable generation.
