The Zambian government is actively harnessing the country’s solar potential through partnerships with international organisations, to boost energy capacity by over a third. Key projects include a 1,000-megawatt agreement with SkyPower Global, a 25-megawatt solar plant funded by the African Development Bank, and a 60-megawatt plant with battery storage from a Turkish-Zambian partnership.
Hydropower Crisis Sparks Demand for Solar
In many rural areas of Africa — including Zambia — access to electricity remains limited. The lack of grid connections is due to underdeveloped infrastructure and the high costs associated with building it. This situation has spurred interest in alternative energy sources. Among these, solar power is gaining attention for its potential to address the continent’s growing energy demands.
Zambia’s recent energy crisis highlights the urgent need to diversify energy sources. In 2024, Lusaka — the capital city — experienced unprecedented power outages. The suburb of Kabwata, a bustling community, was hit hard. The worst drought in over fifty years dried up the country’s lakes and rivers. The situation crippled hydropower facilities that supply more than 87% of Zambia’s electricity.
The drought was a direct result of El Niño, a climatic event that has become more frequent in southern Africa. It scorched crops, caused widespread food insecurity, and forced the government to declare a state of emergency. Key hydropower facilities, like the Kariba Dam, faced near-total shutdowns as water levels dropped to record lows.
Power outages brought daily routines to a standstill, forcing many to adapt in difficult ways. Make-up artist Enoch Lambo, 39, saw his business suffer as he couldn’t use his UV light for nail treatments without electricity. Barber Obey Chisaya faced similar struggles, only managing to open his shop during rare, unpredictable moments of power. For 33-year-old primary school teacher Ruth Saukamba, even basic tasks like marking papers became a race against the fading daylight.
A Call to Diversify Zambia’s Energy Mix
Chembo Sichinga, the manager of renewable energy at Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB), acknowledged the risks of relying heavily on hydropower. “I think we have seen that the over-dependence on hydropower may not have worked too well for the country,” Sichinga stated. “This is a call for us to divert our energy mix from a very high dependence on hydro generation to alternative sources of energy.”
The Zambian government has taken significant steps to harness the country’s solar potential. In 2024, Zambia partnered with international organisations to develop solar projects that aim to boost the nation’s energy capacity by more than a third.
One major initiative is a power purchase agreement with Canada’s SkyPower Global. This project is expected to supply 1,000 megawatts, which is enough to power four million homes. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has allocated $8 million for a 25-megawatt solar plant in western Zambia. Additionally, a Turkish-Zambian private partnership is developing a 60-megawatt solar plant with battery storage. This project is set to power 65,000 households by September 2025.
The government’s Presidential Solar Initiative aims to increase Zambia’s non-hydro renewable energy mix to at least 30% by 2030. This marks a significant leap from the 1.2% recorded in late 2024. These efforts reflect a broader trend across Africa, where nations are shifting toward renewable energy in response to climate challenges.
The Road Ahead: Realising Zambia’s Solar Potential
Zambia’s solar potential is undeniable, but realising it requires overcoming significant barriers. The government’s partnerships with international organisations are promising, but long-term success depends on creating a stable economic environment and transparent policies.
Investments in climate-resilient infrastructure are also crucial. As climate events like El Niño become more frequent, energy systems must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions. Diversifying the energy mix with solar power can help mitigate the risks of over-reliance on hydropower.
Solar energy has restored stability to the lives of Enoch Lambo, Obey Chisaya, and Ruth Saukamba. Lambo can now serve clients using a solar-powered UV light, while Chisaya runs his barbershop consistently with a solar razor. Saukamba no longer rushes to mark papers, relying on solar lights to work after dark. On a national scale, solar power offers a path to greater energy security and economic resilience. But to fully harness this potential, Zambia must address the challenges that have hindered progress in the past.
As Zambia continues its transition toward renewable energy, the lessons learned from previous efforts will be critical. By focusing on sustainable development and inclusive policies, the country can lead the way in Africa’s renewable energy revolution.