Kiyona Energy Drives Zambia’s Solar Transition with Major Projects in Lusaka
Kiyona Energy Advances Zambia’s 1,000MW Solar Target with New Lusaka Projects
Kiyona Energy Limited, a subsidiary of ZESCO, is leading a major solar energy initiative in Lusaka, marking a significant milestone in Zambia’s ambition to generate 1,000 megawatts of solar electricity nationwide.
At the Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) in Lusaka, the steady activity of excavators clearing a designated site signals the development of a 20MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant.
The project occupies a 20-hectare parcel of land provided by the Ministry of Agriculture through NRDC.
Speaking at the site, Kiyona Chief Executive Officer Engineer Clement Siame said construction of the solar plant is expected to be completed by February 2026.
“This 20-hectare site has been availed by the Ministry of Agriculture through NRDC, and we are confident that the 20MW solar plant will be completed by February 2026,” Eng. Siame said.
Through Kiyona Energy, ZESCO is seeking to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on hydroelectric power, which has become increasingly vulnerable to climate variability.
Frequent droughts, including the severe 2024 drought, resulted in Zambia’s worst electricity deficit to date, highlighting the urgent need for energy diversification.
ZESCO Managing Director Engineer Justin Loongo emphasized the importance of solar energy during a recent tour of the near-complete 50MW solar plant in Mansa, Luapula Province.
“This technology is a game-changer. Zambia must take full advantage of its abundant sunlight rather than depending almost entirely on hydropower,” Eng. Loongo said.
Beyond the NRDC project, Kiyona Energy is implementing its Greening Cities, Greening Markets, and Greening Homes programmes under an Electricity-as-a-Service model.
Under this approach, Kiyona installs solar systems in households at no upfront cost, with homeowners continuing to pay only their standard electricity bills. Any surplus electricity generated is fed back into the national grid to support other consumers.
In Lusaka’s Silverest and Zambia Air Force (ZAF) communities, the Greening Homes initiative aims to deliver a minimum of 5MW of solar power in each area. In Silverest alone, approximately 600 households are expected to generate 3MW of electricity, with additional benefits extending to surrounding neighbourhoods. Expansion plans include reaching 5,000 homes in Kwamwena, followed by Salama Park and Woodlands.
According to Eng. Siame, the programme is designed to mitigate the impact of load shedding at the household level, where disruptions are felt most acutely.
“By reducing dependence on grid power in as many homes as possible, we significantly ease pressure on the national grid and lessen the impact of load shedding on households,” he explained.
Beneficiaries of the initiative have welcomed the programme. University lecturer and Bank of Zambia retiree Kennedy Chisha said the installation has improved daily life at home.
“Children can now study without interruptions, and I am able to work remotely without worrying about power outages,” he said.
Kiyona Energy is also prioritising installations at key public institutions. The National Assembly has received a solar system expected to generate 1MW of electricity, sufficient to supply Parliament and nearby residential areas.
“Parliament is a symbol of leadership and authority. By installing solar power here, we are demonstrating that electricity generation is possible in any location,” Eng. Siame said.
