Zambia Adds 100MW of Solar Power with 2nd Phase at Chisamba

On 21 July 2026, Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema commissioned the Chisamba solar farm, the largest photovoltaic (#PV) project with a total capacity of 200 MW. The ceremony was for Phase Two of the Project, which adds another 100 MW to Phase One.

This Project is part of the Zambian Government’s drive codenamed ‘Solar Explosion’, which targets to add 10,000 MW of power to the grid by 2031. The Phase One 100 MW Solar Farm at Chisamba is forecasted to generate 202 GWh annually. At the same time, it is estimated that it will offset 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (tCO2) emissions annually.

“This location is contributing towards our target of 1,000 MW of solar by the end of this year and, more importantly, contributing towards our target of 10,000 MW of electricity in the country by 2031.”

Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema

The Project owner is Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation (KNBEPC), which is a subsidiary of Zambia’s national power utility, ZESCO. The Project contractor was PowerChina, which undertook it under an EPC model. For Phase Two, Stanbic Bank provided a loan of USD 71.5 million, while the remaining balance was financed by equity investors. The Project cost of Phase Two is estimated at USD 100 million.

During construction, the Project mobilized 1,480 workers, with 95% coming from nearby Kafungalubala village and surrounding regions. According to the study, the 200 MW solar farm will be able to power 50,000 homes.

GreenCo is a regional power player in Southern Africa and has a Power Purchase Agreement with ZESCO for a 13-year term. GreenCo has secured First Quantum Minerals (FQM) as a major customer to power its copper mine. By moving FQM off the grid, ZESCO will be able to redirect more electricity to domestic and public use.