156 Constituencies Set for Solar Power Revolution

K4.3 billion Presidential Energy Initiative to deliver 312MW of clean power, boost irrigation and create new revenue streams for councils

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (14-07-2026) --  Zambia’s energy landscape is set for a major transformation after Government signed Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts for the implementation of a 312-megawatt (MW) solar power project covering all 156 constituencies in the country.

The project, being implemented under the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative (PCEI), will see each constituency allocated a 2MW solar photovoltaic power plant as part of Government’s efforts to address the country’s electricity deficit and increase investment in renewable energy.

The initiative, estimated to cost approximately K4.3 billion, is expected to commence immediately after the groundbreaking ceremony, with completion targeted within 12 months from the date of site mobilisation.

Speaking during the contract signing ceremony, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Operations Nicholas Phiri said the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative was a flagship programme introduced by President Hakainde Hichilema in response to the power deficit caused by years of limited investment and lack of diversification in the energy sector.

Mr Phiri said Cabinet approved the initiative on November 24, 2025, paving the way for its implementation.

He explained that the programme would involve the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of solar power plants across Zambia’s constituencies.

However, he clarified that the 2MW allocation per constituency would not necessarily translate into individual standalone plants in every area.

“Where practical, allocations will be aggregated to reduce costs and maximise efficiency. For example, Lusaka’s seven constituencies will have their allocations combined into a 14MW solar plant,” Mr Phiri said.

He said once fully implemented, the project would generate a combined output of 312MW, which would be evacuated into the Zesco national grid to help improve electricity supply.

Mr Phiri said the project would be managed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with support from the Ministries of Local Government and Rural Development, Energy, and Finance and National Planning.

He disclosed that the tender was divided into 10 lots and competitively awarded to five EPC contractors.

The contractors are Sunshine Construction Limited in joint venture with China Railway Construction Engineering Group; China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC); Golden Baobab Investments in joint venture with Huawei Technologies Zambia Limited; Charta Metals Fabrication in joint venture with Zamchin Construction Company Limited; and China Jiangxi Corporation in joint venture with Qingdao New Energy Corporation Limited.

Mr Phiri said the average cost of the project stood at approximately US$729,000 per megawatt, describing the figure as competitive.

He said the solar initiative would contribute towards President Hichilema’s vision of increasing Zambia’s electricity generation capacity and would also support the country’s target of producing 10 million metric tonnes of maize annually by enabling small-scale farmers to undertake year-round irrigation farming.

“Reliable energy will allow our farmers throughout the country to practise irrigation agriculture and increase production,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary added that part of the project financing would come from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), with additional support expected from other stakeholders.

He further said the project would change the financial outlook of local authorities by providing councils with a predictable revenue stream through the sale of electricity to the national off-taker, Zesco.

Mr Phiri thanked various stakeholders, including Cabinet Office, the Presidential Delivery Unit, Zesco, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), ZEMA, the Ministry of Energy and officials from the Ministry of Local Government for their role in making the project possible.

He urged contractors to mobilise without delay after fulfilling all contractual requirements.

Meanwhile, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Director Liao Jianfeng, speaking on behalf of the contractors, said the project represented more than a construction undertaking, but a commitment towards improving the quality of life for communities across Zambia.

Mr Liao said access to reliable and sustainable energy was critical for healthcare, education, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

He pledged that the contractors would deliver the project with quality, safety and environmental responsibility while promoting local employment, skills transfer and procurement from local suppliers.

“This project represents another milestone in the longstanding friendship and practical cooperation between China and Zambia,” Mr Liao said.

Earlier, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Director for Rural Development Fanizani Phiri said Government had completed extensive preparations since President Hichilema announced the initiative in November last year.

Mr Phiri said the programme was developed through collaboration involving Government agencies, ZCCM-IH, CEC and other stakeholders before reaching the implementation stage.

Representing local authorities, Town Clerk Oliver Muuka welcomed the signing of the contracts, describing the initiative as a major step towards ensuring access to clean and renewable energy.

Mr Muuka said the project would not only increase power availability in communities but would also provide councils with a sustainable source of income to strengthen service delivery.

He thanked Government, cooperating partners and all stakeholders for their contribution towards making the initiative a reality.