In a landmark achievement for Zambia’s energy sector, President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday officially commissioned the 100MW Chisamba Solar Power Plant in Central Province — the largest solar facility in the nation to date. The project represents a major stride toward Zambia’s goal of energy sovereignty and a clean energy transition, while reinforcing its climate commitments under international frameworks.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Hichilema hailed the plant as a milestone in sustainable development and a bold step in reducing the country’s dependence on hydropower, which has been increasingly vulnerable to unpredictable weather patterns caused by climate change.
“We were honoured and proud to commission the 100MW Chisamba Solar Power Plant today,” the President stated. “This is more than a power station — it is a symbol of our determination to build a resilient, low-carbon economy that empowers our people.”
While emphasizing the importance of the plant’s capacity and technological innovation, President Hichilema stressed that its true value lies in its impact on local communities.
“This project must first and foremost benefit our people. It should create meaningful employment, support local businesses, and enhance agricultural productivity through better irrigation and agro-processing,” he said. “That’s how development becomes inclusive and transformative.”
The President also called on the country’s youth to take pride in the project, describing the plant as a national asset that belongs to them.
“Own it. Protect it. Be inspired by it,” he urged. “Let this be a gateway to more technological innovation and a catalyst for youth engagement in the clean energy sector.”
The Chisamba Solar Power Plant is a flagship component of Zambia’s ambitious plan to install 1,000 megawatts of solar energy capacity by 2025. President Hichilema extended gratitude to Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited, a key partner in the financing and development of the project.
“Their commitment is helping turn our clean energy vision into reality,” he said.
With this commissioning, Zambia takes a decisive step toward diversifying its energy mix, reducing its reliance on traditional fossil fuels and hydroelectricity, and building climate resilience in the face of recurring droughts and energy shortages.
The President closed his remarks with a powerful reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to energy independence and environmental responsibility:
“Zambia shall never again be held hostage by unpredictable weather patterns. We are building resilience, empowering communities, and lighting the path to a cleaner, brighter future for all.”
As the solar panels in Chisamba begin harvesting the sun’s energy, yesterday’s commissioning signals not just the birth of a power plant — but the dawn of a new era in Zambia’s energy journey.
All that costs, nothing will come of that solar plant. As soon as politicians return to Lusaka, all those solar panels will be stolen.
Will you blame the government for that? What do YOU suggest HH do to prevent that, and do you think its on him to prevent theft?
Kudos to HH and his grz!!!!!
Yes indeed the GRZ is partly to blame
They have done very little about corruption and the police force which is the worst it has ever been as it serves only those who can afford, same as with corruption picking mainly opposition whilst its rampant in most GRZ departments including courts
with no real honest law and order not much can be achieved
If it is Chinese-built, the problem will be the shoddy works. It will not be HH to blame. Chinese constructions work when handed over, break down soon afterwards. Look at the new Chainama Hospital, huge cost to GRZ but parts of the buildings started falling off within months!
My hard working president, thank you Mr. HH.
Lungu and the PF will steal the panels and soon this will be on their roof tops. M’membe will also steal this and blame HH
Its your property, voluteer and go be a watchman
Very good press release but it won’t work at night. And Kariba is also sovereign
Lake Kariba is not sovereign. It is jointly owned by Zimbabwe and Zambia, its waters being managed under the two countries’ Zambezi River Authority. The trouble is, Mugabe’s war veterans can wreak havoc over our Kariba North Bank Power Station if relationships between Zed and Zim were to deteriorate because of HH’s non-attendance of Mnangagwa’s inauguration as President.
Lake Kariba is not sovereign. It is jointly owned by Zimbabwe and Zambia. Mugabe’s war veterans can wreak havoc over our Kariba North Bank Power Station if relationships between Zed and Zim were to deteriorate because of HH’s non-attendance of Mnangagwa’s inauguration as President.
If one thinks Solar Is cheap energy they are sorely mistaken
Largest solar plant but generating 100MW ?
This will not make much difference as we are
Also exporting.let zambians get atleast twelve
Hours of power.
As a suppressed nation we will be thankful for any power so it seems
If Zambia has a short fall in mealie meal, or exports are halted to first satisfy the local market. And to make sure the MM stays in the country ZNS are asked to enforce the law to prevent smuggling.
When it comes to electricity, why is GRZ exporting power without first satisfying Zambians. What patriotism is that?
Well done Govt! Keep up the good work! God bless Zambia!
Let us just have 1 of this sized in each province and we will be talking about 1000MW. This is a game changer. There is always a starting point.
Ati ” Zambia plans for 1000MW of solar power by 2025″…that’s an impractical goal .
Why ???
@spaka are you aware of today’s date? 900mw within 6 months? Tell me where you buy your fwaka I need some
Very poor reporting……….
Some of these reporters just go to see if they can drink free Coca-Cola ………
How many houses can that farm power ????
Has it got batteries for night discharge ?????
or it just feeds into the grid during sunlight
hours ?????
Apart from the poor reporting……..
Way to go GRZ, while…….
While The opposition are fighting for clauses , cosmetic constitutional adjustments and funerals……..
Just keep working and collecting electoral results…..
We are here
FWD2041
2041 you keep on about really with HH
you’ll be lucky to get past 2026
Only time will tell
I suggest you keep your earcloser to the ground