CEC and ZESCO Advance Joint Solar Energy Projects Across Zambia
CEC and ZESCO Partner to Fast-Track 1,000MW Solar Projects Across Zambia by 2025
The Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) and ZESCO Limited have entered advanced talks to co-develop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects across Zambia, signaling a major step forward in the country’s renewable energy transition.
The development was confirmed during the Invest Zambia International Conference held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, themed “Sustained Investment in the Energy Sector – Trends and Opportunities.”
CEC’s Head of Investments and Government Relations, Silvester Hibajene, revealed that the two power companies are exploring a public-private partnership (PPP) model designed to accelerate the deployment of clean energy infrastructure nationwide.
“We are in advanced discussions with ZESCO on a model to jointly invest in multiple solar projects across the country,” Hibajene said. “CEC has already delivered several solar projects, and we aim to expand our footprint through a risk-sharing PPP framework that enhances project delivery.”
CEC currently operates 94 megawatts (MW) of installed solar PV capacity and is constructing the 136MW Itimpi II Solar Project, scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026. Upon completion, CEC’s total solar capacity will rise to 230MW.
Meanwhile, ZESCO Managing Director Justin Loongo affirmed the state utility’s strategic shift toward renewable energy. ZESCO recently commissioned the 100MW Chisamba Solar PV plant and plans to break ground on Chisamba II, another 100MW facility, in the coming month.
Loongo said ZESCO has also earmarked new solar sites in Siavonga, Chipata, the Kafue Gorge Lower area, Mumbwa, and Kasama, with each site expected to host 100MW solar PV plants.
“We intend to roll out these 100MW solar plants until the national grid reaches its solar capacity threshold,” Loongo said, noting that ZESCO is also investing in new hydroelectric projects in northern Zambia to stabilize the grid and complement intermittent solar output.
Addressing financing challenges, Loongo stressed the need for faster, more flexible funding mechanisms.
Citing the Chisamba project, he noted that ZESCO secured financing from Stanbic Bank in under a year, compared to the four-year timelines typical of institutions like the World Bank.
The Zambian government aims to add 1,000MW of solar power to the national grid by the end of 2025, part of a broader strategy to reduce dependency on hydroelectric power, which has become increasingly vulnerable to drought.
This partnership between CEC and ZESCO marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s clean energy ambitions, combining public sector oversight with private sector efficiency to deliver scalable, sustainable power solutions.
