Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Hon. Peter Makozo Chikote, recently toured the 100 MW Kabwe Solar Power Station, praising it as a model for sustainable energy development across Africa. Built by China’s POWERCHINA, the facility is now the largest solar power installation in Zambia and stands as a beacon of international cooperation and energy transformation.
During the inspection, Minister Chikote hailed the project as a symbol of the strong and growing partnership between Zambia and China. He emphasized its role in addressing the country’s power shortages, with the plant expected to supply electricity to between 30,000 and 50,000 households.
“This is not just about power generation,” Chikote said. “It’s about energy security, economic growth, and equipping our people with the skills needed to thrive in the renewable energy sector.”
The project arrives at a critical time, as 85% of Zambia’s electricity still comes from hydropower—a source vulnerable to droughts and climate variability. The Kabwe Solar Power Station marks a significant move toward diversifying Zambia’s energy mix and reducing reliance on weather-sensitive sources.
Zambia has set an ambitious target of achieving 1,000 MW in clean energy capacity. The Kabwe plant contributes meaningfully toward this goal by incorporating modern solar technology, promoting grid resilience, and supporting community livelihoods. The project also brought tangible socio-economic benefits: more than 1,300 Zambians were employed during construction, and over 200 received specialized training, enhancing the country’s renewable energy skill base.
As African nations increasingly pursue energy diversification and carbon neutrality, Zambia’s solar success story offers a replicable blueprint for others. The Kabwe project not only highlights the potential of solar energy on the continent but also underscores the importance of strategic international partnerships in building Africa’s energy future.
