The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved $14.54 million in financing for the 20-megawatt (MW) Garneton North Solar Project in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, a landmark initiative that aims to expand renewable energy capacity and address the country’s persistent power deficit. Once operational, the project is expected to provide clean, reliable electricity to approximately 82,000 people while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 58,740 tons annually.
The financing package combines $7.27 million from AfDB resources with an equal contribution from another Development Finance Institution, bringing the total project investment to $24.5 million. The project will include the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the solar plant, which will be connected to Zambia’s national grid via a 10-kilometer, 33 kV transmission line.
All electricity generated will be sold to the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) under a 25-year take-or-pay Power Purchase Agreement, ensuring stable revenues and reliable power delivery. Wale Shonibare, AfDB Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulation, highlighted that the project will boost investor confidence, attract private sector participation, and accelerate progress toward the Mission 300 goal of providing electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
Garneton North is part of Zambia’s Global Energy Transfer Feed-in Tariffs (GETFiT) program, which encourages private investment in small- and medium-scale renewable energy projects. The project is one of six GETFiT initiatives expected to collectively contribute 120 MW of clean energy to the national grid. During construction, approximately 90 jobs will be created, including opportunities for women and youth, with a further 10 positions during operations.
Jing Li, Division Manager at AfDB, emphasized that the project strengthens Zambia’s energy diversification beyond hydropower, enhances grid stability, reduces blackouts, and supports cost-reflective electricity tariffs. The Garneton North Solar Project also aligns with AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) and the New Deal on Energy for Africa, advancing objectives related to climate resilience, gender inclusion, and youth employment, while promoting private-sector-led renewable energy development across the continent.
