ZESCO and CEC Partner to Accelerate Solar Energy Expansion Across Zambia
ZESCO Limited and Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Plc have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the rollout of solar power generation across Zambia.
The collaboration includes the creation of a joint planning team designed to streamline the development of solar projects, optimize resource use, and eliminate project duplication.
The announcement was made during an appreciation tour of CEC’s solar facilities in Kitwe. ZESCO Chairman Vickson Ncube highlighted the importance of a coordinated national approach.
“We are forming a joint planning team between ZESCO and CEC management to plan the national response together. When we seek resources as a team, we are more likely to be heard,” he told journalists.
CEC, a key regional energy provider and Zambia’s largest independent power supplier to mining operations in both Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is scaling up its solar capacity to 230 megawatts peak.
This expansion is fueled by Zambia’s first-ever green bond—a $200 million issuance in 2024—which has positioned CEC as a leader in renewable energy investment.
The joint planning team is targeting the development of 500 megawatts of solar capacity, with new projects planned in Zambia’s Northern and Southern provinces.
ZESCO, the state-owned utility, is also preparing to commission its first major solar project— a 100-megawatt facility in Chisamba—marking a significant milestone in its transition to renewable energy.
CEC Board Chairman London Mwafulilwa stressed the value of shared expertise, noting that CEC is ready to assist in establishing national standards and specifications for solar power development.
“The biggest lesson from our solar developments is that collaboration can accelerate the country’s energy transition. We are ready to help define what’s needed to scale up solar energy,” he said.
Mwafulilwa also urged urgency, calling for the planning team to be fully operational by the end of June to meet growing energy demand.
“A lack of power deprives communities of development. The demand is already there — this is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.”
Both ZESCO and CEC expressed full support for the Zambian government’s goal of installing at least 1,000 megawatts of solar capacity by the end of 2025.
Mwafulilwa added, “Frankly, 1,000 megawatts may be a conservative target. Given the momentum and need, we believe we can achieve even more.”
