The Zambian government has signed contracts for the construction of 2-megawatt solar power plants in each of the country’s 156 constituencies under the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative, marking a major step in expanding renewable energy generation.
Once completed, the projects will contribute a total of 312 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity to Zambia’s national electricity grid. Construction is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Speaking at the contract signing, Permanent Secretary Nicholas Phiri said the initiative, valued at 4.3 billion kwacha (approximately US$238.1 million), received Cabinet approval in November 2025.
He explained that the programme will be delivered through a special purpose vehicle (SPV), with the state-owned utility ZESCO overseeing implementation as the project manager.
The solar initiative will receive partial funding from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and is expected to improve electricity access, boost agricultural productivity, support business growth, create employment opportunities and enhance the delivery of essential public services across the country.
Mr. Phiri called on the selected contractors to begin work without delay, reaffirming the government’s commitment to increasing access to reliable and sustainable energy nationwide.