Zesco Invests $30m in Fresh Solar Generation Capacity

Zesco has commissioned a 35-megawatt solar power plant in Chibombo, marking one of the state utility’s notable steps toward broadening Zambia’s energy mix through renewable sources, including solar. The project, valued at about 30 million dollars, was announced during a ceremony attended by senior government officials, representatives from the utility, and stakeholders in the energy sector. The new installation is expected to contribute additional capacity to the national grid whose performance has faced criticism in recent years due to persistent load-management measures driven by reduced hydropower generation.

According to Zesco’s leadership, the facility was conceived as part of a wider programme to improve security of electricity supply by gradually reducing the country’s heavy dependency on hydropower. They explained that inconsistent water levels, increasingly linked to climatic variations, have undermined generation reliability. Under these circumstances, solar investments are seen as an important means to stabilise output and diversify production across renewable platforms, with solar being a key focus. The Chibombo project therefore forms a significant component within a cluster of renewable initiatives Zesco intends to roll out over the medium term.

During the commissioning, officials noted that preparations for the plant began several years earlier, but financial closure and construction were achieved more recently following adjustments to internal planning. They stressed that the project is not intended to function in isolation but rather to complement the utility’s existing transmission network and planned infrastructure developments. The addition of 35 megawatts will not entirely eliminate pressure on the grid, they acknowledged, but will improve Zesco’s ability to balance supply, especially during daylight hours when solar output peaks and solar generation is at its highest.

The event also highlighted ongoing work on a 330-kilovolt transmission line running between Choma and Kafue West. This separate undertaking, estimated at 100 million dollars, is designed to strengthen power flows between southern and central regions of the country and create a more resilient distribution backbone. Officials noted that pairing generation expansion with transmission upgrades is necessary to ensure new production does not become constrained by limited evacuation capacity. They added that the two projects reflect the utility’s commitment to pursuing a modern, flexible grid that can support economic growth while meeting rising household demand.

Government representatives at the launch characterised the solar plant as a practical response to Zambia’s broader energy challenges. They referenced the country’s vulnerability to hydrological shocks, pointing to recent droughts that have led to electricity deficits and forced load-management across multiple sectors. They argued that diversifying the energy mix is key to insulating the economy from such shocks and improving stability for industry, agriculture, and social services. The officials also stated that the project aligns with Zambia’s commitments to adopt greener energy systems and gradually transition away from carbon-intensive generation methods.

The new solar facility was built with technology sourced from established international suppliers, and Zesco engineers underscored the attention given to efficiency standards and long-term maintainability. They explained that the plant includes monitoring systems that allow real-time performance tracking and support preventative maintenance schedules. The utility expects the installation to operate at high availability levels and contribute consistently to daily supply, particularly in periods when hydropower generation is constrained.

In remarks delivered at the ceremony, Zesco noted that further solar capacity is under evaluation. The utility is studying opportunities to scale up renewable generation in other provinces, taking into account land availability, grid access, and regional demand patterns. In addition to solar, there are plans to explore small-scale hydro and wind options where technical assessments indicate viable potential. The officials added that models for public-private cooperation are being considered to accelerate delivery while managing the financial burden on the utility’s balance sheet.

Stakeholders present at the launch emphasised that while 35 megawatts may appear modest relative to national peak demand, the significance lies in demonstrating that solar can be integrated at scale within Zambia’s grid. They argued that incremental additions, deployed steadily across the country, could collectively contribute meaningful volumes and reduce exposure to water-dependent assets. For local communities, the project is also expected to stimulate employment around operational and maintenance services, and create opportunities for auxiliary industries that support renewable energy works.

Although the plant will not fully resolve Zambia’s energy supply concerns, officials reiterated that it represents a purposeful shift in strategy. They noted that solar generation avoids fuel imports, shortens construction timelines, and reduces environmental impacts. The commissioning of the Chibombo facility therefore reflects Zesco’s intent to build a more diverse and climate-resilient electricity system while setting the foundation for future projects as funding and technical capacity expand.

Make It Law, and Explain Later – Bill 7 Depends on a Report No One Is Allowed to See

Testimony before a Parliamentary Select Committee examining Bill 7 has renewed questions about the legality, transparency, and structural implications of the proposed constitutional amendments after senior officials from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) revealed that the Executive holds full custody of the delimitation report that informs the Bill’s most contested provisions.

The exchange unfolded when Hon Garry Nkombo pressed the Commission to state when the public would be informed about which constituencies are due for delimitation. The question is central to the Bill 7 controversy because constituency boundaries directly shape political representation, the distribution of power in Parliament, and the weight of the vote in future elections.

In response, the ECZ confirmed that a national consultation exercise undertaken in 2019 produced a full delimitation report which was initially submitted to the Executive and was later revised and resubmitted. According to the Commission, the document that determines the number and configuration of constituencies is now entirely in the hands of the Executive and cannot be made public unless the Executive authorises its release.

The Commission added that once a constitutional amendment is enacted, its responsibility would be limited to publishing a statutory instrument detailing the final boundaries based on decisions already taken. This means the defining phase of delimitation, including which constituencies may be divided or merged, is shielded from public exposure until after the Bill becomes law.

The admission sharpened concerns that Bill 7 risks placing decisive electoral architecture under the influence of the Executive rather than an independent body operating under open procedures. Critics argue that delimitation should precede any lawmaking in order to allow for public scrutiny, stakeholder engagement, and transparent justification for boundary changes. Instead, the committee learned that the determinative process was completed internally and remains confidential.

Legal scholars have stated in earlier commentary that Bill 7 faces existing procedural challenges even before its substantive content is considered. Under Article 79 of the Constitution and relevant Standing Orders, constitutional amendments must follow a defined sequence of public participation, parliamentary debate, and transparent committee review. Opponents say the Bill did not meet these standards following the previous decision by the House not to proceed with a similar amendment in the same session. They argue that the attempt to reintroduce the Bill contravenes the rule preventing repetition of a rejected constitutional amendment.

The latest testimony adds another layer by indicating that the substantive content of the Bill draws from a report that the public, civil society, and even many MPs have not seen. Without access to the data and analysis underpinning the delimitation exercise, stakeholders cannot evaluate whether the proposed increase in constituencies is justified, whether population thresholds have been applied consistently, or whether the changes risk creating imbalances in representation.

Concern also arises from the sequence described to the committee. The ECZ suggested that its role activates only after constitutional amendment, not before. This structure effectively allows the Executive to propose a constitutional change anchored in a report it alone controls, then task the Commission with formalising that outcome through a statutory instrument. Parliamentary oversight is weakened if lawmakers cannot access the foundational report before voting on the amendment.

Civil society groups have previously warned that delimitation exercises should be public from start to finish, with clear demographic data, open hearings, and a published rationale for any boundary adjustments. The absence of such visibility in the process described to the committee has revived fears that Bill 7 consolidates power rather than distributing it.

The committee is expected to continue receiving submissions, but the nature of the testimony has increased pressure on the Executive to release the delimitation report and explain the methodology used. Parliamentary sources say members want clarity on whether the changes recommended by the Commission align with national demographic trends or whether alterations risk favouring specific political outcomes.

The debate surrounding Bill 7 continues to widen as lawmakers, legal experts, and civic organisations assess the implications of a reform package shaped by information that remains outside public reach.

Below is the recording from The Selct Committeee

( Honorable Nkombo Chairman, I see that the Commission, good morning and welcome, um, supports the clause for delimitation of constituencies. I would like to find out, Chair, at what stage the Commission is going to communicate to the nation which constituencies will be due for delimitation. Thank you, Honorable Nkombo.

Witness, please take note. Thank you, Honorable Nkombo Chairperson. At this stage, I seek your indulgence to invite my colleagues to respond to some of the clarifications.

I’ll speak to the first question in terms of where Honorable Nkombo sought clarity from the Commission as to when the Commission will indicate to the people of Zambia which constituencies are earmarked for delimitation. Honorable Chairperson, your committee may wish to note that following the public consultation exercise that the Commission, the Electoral Commission of Zambia undertook in 2019, a report was prepared and that report was submitted to the Executive. It is that report, Honorable Chairperson, that has since been revised to, and again submitted to the Executive to inform the number that is indicated in the bill.

Honorable Chairperson, once the Electoral Commission of Zambia submits that report, or such a report to the Executive, it is no longer in the hands of the Commission to release that report to the public. It is with the Executive. So where the Commission stands is now to await for the amendment of the Constitution and once the implementation, the actual implementation of the new constituencies is done, indicate so the new boundaries of the constituencies in a statutory instrument and thereby inform the public of which constituencies have since been established following the amendment to the Constitution.

Chair, I submit.)

PF Presidential Aspirant Makebi Zulu and Two Officials Hospitalised After Road Accident Near Kasama

Patriotic Front presidential aspirant Makebi Zulu has been involved in a road accident on the Mpika–Kasama Road as he travelled to attend the funeral of Kasama Mayor Theresa Kolala Khumalo. The accident occurred roughly 25 to 30 kilometres before Kasama, according to information released by party officials.

Mr Zulu was travelling with former Minister of Mines Richard Musukwa and former Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe. The vehicle in which they were travelling overturned after the driver attempted to avoid a cyclist who rode across the road. The impact caused the vehicle to lose control, resulting in the accident that left all three occupants requiring medical attention.

Emergency responders transported the trio to Kasama General Hospital, where medical staff began conducting tests to assess possible injuries. Initial indications suggest the three were stable at the time they were received at the hospital.

Meanwhile, Patriotic Front Acting President Given Lubinda has visited the injured officials at Kasama General Hospital. He told journalists that the three remained under observation as medical personnel carried out diagnostic procedures to rule out any complications. “I am here at the hospital. They are undergoing tests and x-ray just to rule out anything. They are also waiting to see a doctor after the test results,” he said.

Mr Lubinda confirmed that Mr Zulu, Mr Musukwa and Mr Kabwe were travelling to Kasama to attend the funeral and burial of Ms Kolala, a member of the party’s Central Committee who died last week. Several senior PF members were expected to travel to Kasama for the funeral proceedings.

The accident adds to what has already been a difficult period for the party following the death of Ms Kolala, who had served as Kasama Mayor and was widely regarded within PF structures. Details released earlier in the day had indicated that Mr Zulu was en route to the funeral when the vehicle overturned, prompting speculation about his condition until hospital confirmation was issued.

Medical personnel at Kasama General Hospital are expected to release further updates once all required examinations have been completed. Party officials at the hospital said they were awaiting full medical reports before determining whether any of the three would require referral to another facility.

US, Zambia Outline New Economic and Mining Reform Framework
President Hakainde Hichilema and visiting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Caleb Orr have agreed on a framework that seeks to reshape bilateral cooperation through a reform-driven support programme. Both the U.S. Embassy in Zambia and State House confirmed the engagement, noting that no specific financial figure was announced publicly. This engagement signifies a pivotal moment in Zambia’s economic journey, emphasizing the importance of transparent governance and sustainable practices in the mining sector. By aligning their interests, both nations aim to foster a climate conducive to investment, thereby enhancing Zambia’s position as a key player in the global mining industry.

According to official communication, the discussions centred on unlocking a substantial grant package tied to Zambia’s willingness to implement targeted reforms in the mining industry and the broader business environment. The proposed support would work alongside a restructured Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact and a five-year collaboration on public health. These reforms are anticipated to lead to more efficient mining operations and improved environmental management, which would not only benefit local communities but also enhance Zambia’s attractiveness to foreign investors who prioritize corporate responsibility and sustainability in their operations.

Assistant Secretary Orr said the United States aims to support Zambia’s economic potential through improvements in regulatory efficiency and transparency. He noted that American firms view Zambia as a market capable of attracting increased investment once predictable rules and streamlined procedures are established. He added that the reform programme is intended to expand opportunities that strengthen supply chains relevant to U.S. strategic interests while contributing to job creation in Zambia. By enhancing the regulatory framework, Zambia can ensure that both local and foreign investors feel secure in their investments, leading to sustainable economic growth and development.

The meeting was held as the Trump Administration repositions its foreign assistance priorities toward partnerships linked to measurable progress. U.S. officials described the evolving framework as an opportunity for Zambia to take a lead role in shaping a new phase of cooperation. They indicated that final terms will depend on the country’s advancement on agreed economic and governance benchmarks. This includes commitments to improve infrastructure development and foster innovation within the country, which are essential for attracting diverse investments beyond the mining sector.

The U.S. delegation included Ambassador Michael Gonzales, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southern African Affairs and African Foreign Assistance Nick Checker, and senior State Department staff. After the State House engagement, the team began a series of follow-up meetings with senior officials in the Ministries of Finance, Mines and Mineral Development, Commerce, Trade and Industry, Technology and Science, and Agriculture. These dialogues are crucial as they aim to establish a shared vision for Zambia’s economic future, focusing on sustainable development practices that can create jobs and stimulate local economies.

Assistant Secretary Orr is also scheduled to meet representatives from the mining sector and U.S. private sector actors, including KoBold Metals. The delegation will travel to Kansanshi Mine in North-Western Province to observe operations at First Quantum Minerals’ copper facility. These activities form part of efforts to understand the investment landscape and identify areas where cooperation could support reforms in Zambia’s extractive sector and commercial environment. Such site visits will provide valuable insights into the operational challenges faced by mining companies and help formulate strategies that can facilitate a more conducive environment for business.

No timeline has yet been announced for concluding the discussions. Both governments stated that technical teams will continue negotiating as progress is made on sector-specific reforms. Continuous dialogue is essential to ensure that the outcomes of these discussions translate into effective policies that will not only benefit investors but also improve the livelihoods of Zambians by creating jobs and enhancing economic opportunities across the country.

LAZ Faces Internal Pressure as Members Petition for Emergency Meeting

A group of members of the Law Association of Zambia has formally petitioned the association’s council, calling for an Extraordinary General Meeting to address concerns about the organisation’s perceived involvement in partisan political matters. The petition, delivered to the LAZ Honorary Secretary, asks the council to urgently convene the meeting and allow members to debate the association’s public posture during ongoing national discussions around constitutional reform and the activities of the Oasis Forum.

The petitioners noted that LAZ, by law and tradition, is expected to maintain strict professional neutrality and avoid taking positions that may be interpreted as aligning with political actors. They argued that the association’s recent engagement with the Oasis Forum, a civil society alliance that has been vocal on matters concerning Bill 7, has raised questions among members about whether the association continues to operate within the limits of its mandate.

Signatories to the petition stated that the issue was not the Oasis Forum’s right to advocate on constitutional matters, but whether LAZ’s visible association with the grouping could be misunderstood as institutional endorsement of a specific political position. They said this perception risked weakening public confidence in the association’s independence at a time when constitutional reform is under heightened scrutiny.

The petitioners asked the LAZ council to clarify the association’s official position, provide a detailed account of its engagements with the Oasis Forum, and explain the basis on which public statements attributed to LAZ were issued during the ongoing national debate. They said only a properly convened Extraordinary General Meeting could allow members to examine the allegations transparently, evaluate the association’s recent actions, and determine whether corrective steps were needed.

A second issue raised in the petition concerned what members described as LAZ’s decision to “take a stance” on the constitutional amendment process without consulting the broader membership. The petitioners argued that LAZ’s commentary on Bill 7 had been interpreted as leaning towards a particular view within a polarised national context and that members were entitled to decide, collectively, whether such a position was appropriate.

The petition states that LAZ’s strength lies in its reputation for impartial legal analysis and that the credibility of its interventions depends on strict adherence to professional neutrality. The petitioners stressed that the current climate demands extra caution, particularly as constitutional matters attract intense public attention and political dispute.

In response to the petition, documents seen indicate that the LAZ Honorary Secretary acknowledged receipt of the notice and confirmed that the matter would be tabled before the council in accordance with the association’s governing framework. The council is expected to determine whether the conditions set out under the Law Association of Zambia Act and the association’s constitution for convening an EGM have been met.

While the petition has not yet been fully debated by the LAZ membership, it has already triggered wider discussion within legal circles about the association’s role in moments of significant national policy change. Senior lawyers contacted separately said the petition reflected growing anxiety over how professional bodies articulate their positions during contentious political periods.

If the council determines that an EGM is warranted, the meeting would allow members to debate the concerns raised, adopt resolutions on the association’s conduct and clarify LAZ’s expected role in national discourse. If the council finds that conditions for an EGM have not been met, petitioners may still escalate the matter through additional procedures provided under association rules.

As debate around constitutional reform continues, the petition marks one of the most visible internal challenges to LAZ’s leadership in recent years and underscores the tensions that arise when professional bodies are drawn into national debates.