President Hichilema Launches Mabumba Solar Plant to Strengthen Energy Supply in Luapula Province
Zambia Commissions 50MW Mabumba Solar Plant to Power 20,000 Homes and Boost Economic Growth in Luapula
President Hakainde Hichilema has officially commissioned the 50-megawatt Mabumba Solar Plant in Chief Mabumba’s area of Mansa, a project expected to supply electricity to more than 20,000 households and stimulate economic growth across Luapula Province.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the President noted that since independence, the region had relied largely on the 10MW Musonda Falls Hydropower Station, which has long fallen short of meeting local electricity demand estimated at around 30MW.
He said the new solar facility represents a major step toward diversifying energy sources and improving supply reliability.
President Hichilema emphasized that his administration has prioritized reforms in the energy sector to expand generation capacity and reduce dependence on hydropower, particularly as climate variability continues to affect water levels and electricity production.
He commended ZESCO Limited for successfully delivering the project and praised the Energy Regulation Board for providing regulatory oversight throughout its development.
The President highlighted that the solar plant created employment opportunities during construction and will continue to support jobs during operations.
He added that the project will strengthen power supply to key sectors such as mining, small businesses, and public services, while also supporting regional initiatives like investment and industrial development programs in Luapula.
To ensure efficient distribution of the new electricity supply, the government is also upgrading transmission infrastructure, including the 132-kilovolt power line from Kasama to Mansa and the 130-kilovolt line from Pensulo to Mansa.
These upgrades are intended to improve connectivity to households, clinics, schools, and businesses across the province.
President Hichilema concluded by urging citizens to protect public infrastructure, warning that vandalism of power facilities undermines national development and delays progress toward reliable energy access.
