Zambia’s electricity generation capacity has recorded its largest five-year expansion in more than a decade, with the country adding significantly more capacity between 2021 and 2026 than it did in the preceding ten years.
According to the Ministry of Energy, installed generation capacity rose from approximately 3,100 megawatts (MW) in 2021 to 4,576 MW in 2026, representing an increase of 1,476 MW.
This compares with an addition of about 987 MW to the national grid between 2011 and 2021.
The ministry attributed the recent growth largely to the completion of the remaining generating units at the Kafue Gorge Lower hydropower plant, alongside the rapid expansion of solar power and the commissioning of other energy projects across the country.
Solar generation has recorded particularly strong growth, with installed capacity increasing from about 88 MW in 2021 to approximately 841 MW in 2026. The government is targeting 1,000 MW of installed solar capacity by the end of the year.
The expansion is expected to continue as several major power projects remain under construction or are nearing completion. These include Maamba Phase II, the Gwembe Solar Project, Evergreat Thermal Power Station, Ezra Thermal Power Station and the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative.
The Ministry of Energy said the completion of these projects would further increase Zambia’s electricity generation capacity and strengthen the country’s energy security.
President Hakainde Hichilema has set a target of raising Zambia’s installed generation capacity to 10,000 MW by 2031.
The ministry said achieving the current pipeline of projects could result in the country’s largest-ever expansion in electricity generation capacity over the next five years, providing additional support for economic growth and long-term energy security.