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Category: Energy

Zambia Launches 100 MW Solar Plant to Cut Imports and Power Mining Sector 1 Mining in Zambia Energy Green Energy 

Zambia Launches 100 MW Solar Plant to Cut Imports and Power Mining Sector

Constance
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema on Monday inaugurated the country’s largest grid-connected solar power plant, the 100-megawatt Chisamba project, developed by PowerChina. The facility will supply electricity directly to First Quantum Minerals, one of Zambia’s largest copper producers. The project is expected to significantly reduce Zambia’s reliance on electricity imports from neighboring South Africa and Mozambique. By supplying power to the mining giant, the solar plant will also free up additional electricity capacity for local consumers. Zambia currently depends heavily on hydropower for its electricity needs. However, a prolonged drought has… Read More Here
Zambia’s Energy Ministry Commissions Solar Power System to Lead Clean Energy Transition 2 Mining in Zambia Energy 

Zambia’s Energy Ministry Commissions Solar Power System to Lead Clean Energy Transition

Constance
Zambia’s Ministry of Energy has taken a significant step toward sustainable energy solutions by commissioning a 121.8kW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system, complete with 125kWh battery storage, at its headquarters in Lusaka. The initiative is part of the Presidential Solar Initiative, a government-led response to the 2024 drought that severely disrupted hydropower generation—the country’s primary source of electricity. During the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote praised the project as a benchmark for clean energy adoption within government institutions. “This rooftop solar PV system is a demonstration of our… Read More Here
Italy's CDP Grants €250 Million Loan to AFC for African Infrastructure and Energy Projects 3 Infrastructural Development Energy 

Italy’s CDP Grants €250 Million Loan to AFC for African Infrastructure and Energy Projects

Constance
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has secured a €250 million (approximately USD 289.2 million) 10-year term loan from Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Italy’s national promotional and development finance institution. The announcement was made on Friday, June 20, 2025. The financing will be directed toward infrastructure and renewable energy projects across the continent, with a particular emphasis on the Lobito Corridor—an ambitious rail project intended to boost trade and connectivity in Southern and Central Africa. The corridor will facilitate the transport of agricultural products, minerals, and consumer goods from landlocked regions… Read More Here
Zambia’s Energy Minister Calls for Strong Leadership from New Energy Regulation Board 4 Mining in Zambia Economy Energy 

Zambia’s Energy Minister Calls for Strong Leadership from New Energy Regulation Board

Constance
Zambia’s Minister of Energy has urged the newly appointed Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to provide firm, professional, and prudent leadership in the country’s energy sector, emphasizing its crucial role as a pillar of national economic stability and development. Speaking at the Board’s induction meeting held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka, the Minister reminded members that their decisions impact every household and business in Zambia. “The energy sector affects every citizen. You must act with prudence and ensure your decisions serve the people,” he stressed. He challenged the Board,… Read More Here
DRC Ranks Lowest in Africa for Energy Transition in 2025 5 Mining in DRC Energy 

DRC Ranks Lowest in Africa for Energy Transition in 2025

Constance
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ranks last among 22 African countries in terms of energy transition performance, according to the Energy Transition Index (ETI) 2025, released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on June 18. The index evaluates the energy systems of 118 countries worldwide, using a comprehensive framework to measure performance and readiness for transition. Nigeria leads the continent in the 2025 ranking, placing 61st globally with a score of 54.8 points. The West African nation jumped 48 places from its 2024 ranking, largely due to targeted regulatory… Read More Here
Zambia Welcomes Major Solar Investment from China’s LONGi Green Energy 6 Mining in Zambia Energy 

Zambia Welcomes Major Solar Investment from China’s LONGi Green Energy

Constance
The Zambian Government has welcomed a major renewable energy investment from Chinese solar technology giant LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., which plans to develop a 100-megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Zambia. Scheduled to become operational by December 2025, the project marks the first phase of a broader plan to scale up to 200MW—offering a substantial boost to Zambia’s renewable energy sector. The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by LONGi executives to the Minister of Energy, Hon. Makozo Chikote, MP, in Lusaka, where the company presented its investment… Read More Here
Kansanshi Mining Plc Commissions K1.7 Million Solar Power System at Kwambula 7 Mining in Zambia Copper Energy 

Kansanshi Mining Plc Commissions K1.7 Million Solar Power System at Kwambula

Constance
FQM`s Kansanshi Mining Plc has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art 120 kWh solar power system at Kwambula Trades Training Institute, representing a K1.7 million investment. The project ensures a reliable and sustainable energy source for both Kwambula and the Solwezi Trades Training Institute’s administration block, ending their dependency on diesel generators during Zambia’s ongoing power crisis. Speaking on behalf of Kansanshi’s General Manager, Training Manager Charlie Watt emphasised the company’s broader commitment to education in Solwezi. In addition to the solar system, Kansanshi is currently investing over K12 million in infrastructure… Read More Here
Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa Lead Charge in Africa’s Electricity Market Reforms 8 Electricity Energy Mining in Zambia 

Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa Lead Charge in Africa’s Electricity Market Reforms

Constance
Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa are accelerating power sector reforms, transitioning from state-controlled utility models to open access electricity markets. These changes aim to improve reliability, attract private investment, and reduce energy costs across a region long burdened by power deficits. In Kenya, the Energy Act of 2019 and the newly published Electricity Market, Bulk Supply and Open Access Regulations 2024 allow independent power producers (IPPs) to sell directly to large consumers or private vendors through a wheeling process. Consumers using at least 1 MVA can bypass the state utility,… Read More Here
CEC Urges New Financing Models and Partnerships to Power Africa’s Energy Future 9 Mining in Zambia Corporate News Energy 

CEC Urges New Financing Models and Partnerships to Power Africa’s Energy Future

Constance
Copperbelt Energy Corporation PLC (CEC) has called for strategic partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms to accelerate energy infrastructure development across Africa, cautioning that traditional risk models are no longer adequate to meet the continent’s growing power needs. Speaking at the 2025 Africa Energy Forum (AEF) in Cape Town, South Africa, CEC Chief Financial Officer Mutale Mukuka stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration. He emphasized that sustainable progress in Africa’s energy sector hinges on deeper cooperation among governments, utilities, financiers, Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors, and local communities. “Governments alone… Read More Here
Niger to Nationalize French-Operated Somair Uranium Mine Amid Regional Shift 10 International Energy Uranium 

Niger to Nationalize French-Operated Somair Uranium Mine Amid Regional Shift

Constance
Niger has announced plans to nationalize the Somair uranium mine, currently operated by French state-owned company Orano, as tensions between the two parties escalate following the country’s 2023 military coup. The decision is part of a broader trend across West Africa, where governments are increasingly reclaiming control over natural resources. Recent nationalizations in Mali and Burkina Faso have raised concerns among international mining companies and investors with significant financial stakes in the region. In a statement issued late Thursday, the Nigerien government accused Orano of disproportionately benefiting from Somair’s uranium… Read More Here

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