Zambia’s renewable energy ambitions have received a powerful boost following the African Development Bank Group’s (AfDB) approval of a $14.54 million financing package for the Garneton North 20-megawatt solar power project in the Copperbelt Province. The investment marks a major step toward diversifying Zambia’s energy mix, strengthening its grid, and advancing the continent-wide Mission 300 goal of connecting 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
The $24.5 million Garneton North project will design, build, and operate a 20 MW solar plant connected to the national grid through a 10 km, 33 kV transmission line. Once operational, the facility will deliver clean, reliable power to more than 82,000 people, while cutting an estimated 58,740 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
The AfDB’s support includes $7.27 million from its own resources and an equal amount in concessional co-financing from a Development Finance Institution. This blended financing model underscores the Bank’s commitment to making Zambia’s power sector more attractive to private investors and restoring confidence in the country’s renewable energy market.“The project marks a key milestone in Zambia’s efforts to attract private-sector participation, close its energy gap, and achieve Mission 300 targets,” said Wale Shonibare, Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulation at the AfDB.
The Garneton North Solar Project is one of six renewable energy projects under Zambia’s Global Energy Transfer Feed-in Tariffs (GETFiT) programme, designed to fast-track small- and medium-scale independent power producers (IPPs). Collectively, these projects will add 120 MW of renewable capacity to the national grid, diversify Zambia’s energy mix, and demonstrate the viability of private-sector-led clean power development.
Beyond generating electricity, the project is also expected to deliver social and economic impact — creating 90 construction jobs (with 50 for youth and 5 for women) and 10 permanent operational roles, including opportunities for women and young professionals.
According to Jing Li, Division Manager for Energy Financial Solutions at the AfDB, the initiative reflects Zambia’s determination to reduce its dependence on hydropower and build long-term resilience against climate-related shocks.
“By expanding renewable generation capacity, Zambia can improve energy reliability, reduce power outages, and ensure cost-reflective electricity for consumers,” she noted.
Aligned with the AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) and the New Deal on Energy for Africa, the Garneton North project champions a low-carbon, inclusive growth path, supporting the Bank’s broader goals on climate resilience, gender equality, and youth employment.
As Zambia accelerates toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, Garneton North stands as a symbol of progress — proving that strategic investment and cross-sector collaboration can light the path to universal access and energy security.
