In a significant move to fast-track Zambia’s transition to renewable energy, ZESCO Limited and Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Plc have forged a landmark partnership aimed at accelerating the development of solar energy projects across the country.
The collaboration marks a turning point for Zambia’s energy sector, bringing together the strengths of the state-owned utility and the country’s leading independent power producer. Their shared goal: to scale up solar capacity, eliminate inefficiencies, and deliver clean energy to power homes, industries, and mines nationwide.
A Unified Vision for Clean Energy
The partnership was formally unveiled during a high-level tour of CEC’s solar power facilities in Kitwe, where ZESCO Chairman Vickson Ncube emphasized the importance of a unified national approach to renewable energy development.
“We are forming a joint planning team between ZESCO and CEC to coordinate our national solar strategy. When we speak with one voice and seek resources together, we are more likely to be heard,” Ncube told reporters.
This newly established planning team will oversee the design, siting, and execution of solar power projects, with a focus on maximizing efficiency and avoiding duplication of efforts.
Solar Momentum: From Green Bonds to Gigawatts
CEC has already made impressive strides in solar development, with a bold plan to scale its solar portfolio to 230 megawatts peak (MWp). This growth is underpinned by Zambia’s first-ever green bond—a $200 million issuance in 2024—that has solidified CEC’s position as a renewable energy leader in the region.
The joint effort between ZESCO and CEC aims to add at least 500 MW of new solar capacity, with upcoming installations planned for Zambia’s Northern and Southern provinces.
ZESCO, meanwhile, is preparing to commission its own landmark project: a 100 MW solar farm in Chisamba, representing the utility’s first major step into solar power.
Building National Capacity and Standards
During the site visit, CEC Board Chairman London Mwafulilwa highlighted the broader value of the partnership, especially in laying the groundwork for national solar standards and technical benchmarks.
“The biggest lesson from our solar journey is that collaboration is essential to scaling up. We’re ready to support the development of clear national specifications for solar deployment,” Mwafulilwa said.
He also called for swift action, urging that the joint planning team be fully operational by the end of June 2025 to meet Zambia’s growing energy demand.
“The energy need is already here. A lack of power deprives communities of opportunity—this is a chance we can’t afford to miss.”
Aligning with National Goals—and Going Beyond
The partnership between ZESCO and CEC aligns with the Zambian government’s ambitious target of installing at least 1,000 MW of solar capacity by the end of 2025. But both leaders believe the bar can be raised even higher.
“Frankly, 1,000 megawatts may be a conservative figure,” said Mwafulilwa. “With the momentum we’re seeing and the urgency of the need, we believe Zambia can—and should—go further.”
A New Chapter for Zambia’s Energy Sector
As Zambia advances toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future, the ZESCO–CEC partnership is poised to become a national model for strategic collaboration in renewable energy. By combining public oversight with private-sector innovation and finance, the country is setting the pace for solar expansion in Southern Africa—and illuminating the path for others to follow.
