Zambia shifts to solar energy

Zambia is accelerating the development of solar energy to reduce its reliance on hydropower, which is often weakened by droughts. This shift is part of a broader strategy to diversify the country’s energy sources and ensure a more stable electricity supply.

Solar energy dominates new capacity

Nearly 90% of the net increase in installed electrical capacity in Zambia since 2024 comes from solar energy. This figure was highlighted by President Hakainde Hichilema during his speech at the Energy Forum for Africa in Lusaka in October.

Total electrical capacity grows significantly

According to the Ministry of Energy, Zambia's total electrical capacity increased from 3,777 MW in 2024 to 4,722 MW in 2026, a rise of 945 MW. This growth reflects the country's efforts to expand its energy infrastructure.

Solar capacity surges

During the same period, solar capacity increased from 178 MW to 1,027 MW, adding 849 MW. Solar energy now accounts for nearly 22% of the national electricity grid, compared to less than 5% two years earlier.

Drought spurs energy diversification

This progress follows the severe 2024 drought, which significantly affected the country's hydropower production. In response, Zambia has focused on building new large-scale power plants to stabilize its energy supply.

New solar plants are commissioned

The country has recently commissioned several large-scale solar plants, including Itimpi II (136 MW), inaugurated in May 2026 for 125.8 million USD, and the second phase of Chisamba (100 MW), commissioned in July for 75 million USD.

Infrastructure challenges remain

However, this development in Zambia's electricity production raises the question of the infrastructure needed to transport electricity. As the country aims for a total capacity of 10,000 MW by 2031, President Hichilema has called for increased investments in transmission and distribution networks.