ZESCO has announced plans to add approximately 500 megawatts of electricity from various solar power initiatives to the national grid in the near future, in a move aimed at mitigating Zambia’s current electricity deficit.
Of the planned total, 134 megawatts are expected to come online within the next three months. ZESCO Managing Director Justin Longo said the initiative is part of the utility’s efforts to address power shortages caused by a drought-induced reduction in hydroelectricity generation.
Mr. Longo outlined specific projects contributing to the solar energy boost, including:
- 100 MW from Chisamba,
- 25 MW from Mansa,
- 7.5 MW from Kasupe,
- 2 MW from Shangombo.
Additionally, the Micro Generator Scheme and the Presidential Solar Initiative are expected to contribute 270 megawatts and 62 megawatts respectively.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by ZESCO Divisional Manager Given Monde at the Third National Students and Youth Parliament in Lusaka, Mr. Longo also highlighted the importance of complementary strategies such as net metering, smart grids, and mini-grid systems. These technologies, he said, will play a crucial role in improving energy management and expanding electricity access across the country.
Mr. Longo reaffirmed ZESCO’s belief in the role of young people in shaping Zambia’s energy future. “ZESCO believes that Zambia’s energy future will be heavily influenced and propelled by creative, innovative, knowledgeable, and skilled youth,” he stated, emphasizing the utility’s ongoing support for youth-focused initiatives such as the 2025 National Students and Youth Parliament.
National Council of Students Union (NACOSU) Chairperson Michelo Chizombe praised the Youth Parliament for providing a platform for meaningful dialogue among young leaders from all ten provinces. He said the event enabled discussions on key national issues, including energy and governance.
Mr. Chizombe further urged young people to actively prepare for leadership roles by investing in personal growth, skills development, and proactive engagement with national issues.
Just do it! Why promises? Just do it!
Kikiki, that’s a good one Dontcare! We have had too many promises. When I saw the headline I was thinking it’s next or it’s happened! What we want is power now not stories
Vote wisely vote for HH7 in 2026
Nike
Will it make a difference in load shedding?
Were we not told of this before and with the same picture
Its a good initiative though it wont be long before someone makes a decision to export that extra solar power
ZESCO, I am in PHI near Mtendere in Lusaka We did not have power past 2 days because of an incidence, when power was restored yesterday, there was no consideration that we had no power for 2 days, and it was just supplied for 1 hour to fit it into the loadshedding schedule. Today power is supposed to come at 7hrs according to the loadshedding schedule, it is now after 8hrs and it is not switched on and it has to go by 14hrs, so i am politely and kindly asking you at ZESCO how on earth that will be 7hrs of power supply what ever time it will be switched on in our area and when it goes at 14hrs today according to your schedule.
We are tired of empty promises. Please stop telling us until the day you actually do it. Like someone said, we know you will just export it. Can’t wait for 2026.
We need new minds to address our problems.
They coming in 3026
South Africa where we used to import power has now got a deficit. They have also started load shedding. If zesco is not quick with their projects including putting up the interconnector to import power from tanzania then this year we will be in total darkness for sure.