Zambia Secures 480 Hectares for Solar Projects Across 116 Districts
In a significant step towards enhancing its energy security and embracing renewable resources, the Zambian government has announced a major land allocation for solar power development. A total of 480 hectares have been officially secured across 116 districts, setting the stage for a widespread expansion of the nation’s solar energy capacity.
This strategic move is a cornerstone of the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative, a program designed to diversify Zambia’s energy mix and reduce its historical reliance on hydropower, which can be vulnerable to climatic shifts.
A Strategic Push for Zambia solar projects
The announcement was made by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Gift Sialubalo, who confirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the country’s energy infrastructure. By distributing these solar projects across a vast number of districts, the initiative aims to not only boost the national grid but also bring power generation closer to communities, potentially improving local energy access and stimulating regional economic activity.
This decentralized approach marks a pivotal shift in Zambia’s energy strategy, leveraging one of its most abundant natural resources—sunlight—to build a more resilient and sustainable power network for the future.
Attracting Global Investment in Zambia solar projects
Minister Sialubalo revealed the details during a meeting with potential investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), underscoring Zambia’s proactive efforts to attract foreign direct investment into its burgeoning green energy sector.
The initiative is already gaining traction with international partners. Notably, the UAE-based SGC Investment Limited has expressed significant interest in developing 500 megawatts of solar power in the country. This interest extends beyond energy, with potential opportunities also identified in mining and infrastructure, signaling a growing confidence in Zambia’s economic landscape.
This development aligns with Zambia’s broader national ambition to expand its total power generation capacity towards a target of 10,000 MW. By securing dedicated land and actively courting international expertise and capital, Zambia is laying a solid foundation to achieve its long-term energy goals and power its continued development.
