A proposed 500-megawatt solar power project was among key issues discussed during a courtesy call on Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gift Sialubalo by a delegation from SGC Investment LLC of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The delegation, led by Shaikh Humaid Abdulla Essa Abdulaziz Almualla of the ruling family of the Emirate of Umm Al Quain, held talks with the minister on potential investments in renewable energy, waste-to-energy solutions and infrastructure development.
Central to the discussions was a plan to develop a 500MW solar power project at multiple locations across Zambia. Minister Sialubalo said the proposed investment aligns with government’s efforts to diversify the country’s energy sources and reduce vulnerability to climate-related challenges.
He noted that the 2024–2025 drought had negatively affected power generation, water supply and livelihoods, adding that government has taken steps to strengthen resilience at community level. He said resources under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) could complement large-scale investments, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The minister also highlighted solid waste management as a major challenge for local authorities, especially in Lusaka, saying waste-to-energy initiatives could help manage environmental risks while contributing to electricity generation and improved service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Shaikh Essa Bin Abdullah Al Muala said SGC Investment LLC is ready to advance its proposed investments once modalities are agreed, expressing confidence in Zambia’s investment environment.
SGC Investment LLC Chief Investment Officer Muhammad Omar Farooqi said the company is considering both foreign direct investment and public-private partnership models, with solar energy identified as the initial focus area.
If implemented, the proposed 500MW solar project would be among the largest private renewable energy investments in Zambia and could also support waste management and infrastructure development initiatives.
