ZESCO SIGNS PPAS FOR 332MWP SOLAR PROJECTS UNDER MICRO-GENERATOR SCHEME, PRESIDENTIAL SOLAR INITIATIVE, AND DEVELOPER-INITIATED IPPS
Lusaka, 18 February 2025: Zambia’s renewable energy ambitions took a major step forward today with the signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) between ZESCO Limited and 29 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) under the Micro-Generator Scheme, Presidential Solar Initiative, and Developer-Initiated IPPs, totaling over 332MWp of new solar capacity.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, ZESCO Managing Director, Eng. Justin Loongo, hailed the agreements as a milestone in Zambia’s energy transformation journey.
“The 29 PPAs signed today are a testament to our commitment to diversifying Zambia’s electricity generation mix. With 270MWp from the Micro-Generator Scheme, 62MWp from the Presidential Solar Initiative, and additional capacity from Developer-Initiated projects, these efforts will collectively boost our grid, empower communities, and drive economic growth,” said Eng. Loongo.
Unlike previous power purchase agreements, these projects come with clear implementation timelines. Construction is set to commence within two months, and by 2026, the country will have more alternative sources of electricity to meet growing demand.
The Micro-Generator Scheme, with a capacity of 270MWp, integrates small-scale solar projects ranging from 100kW to 5MW into the national grid. Spread across Zambia’s provinces, these projects will expand electricity access and reduce reliance on hydropower.
Meanwhile, Eng. Loongo has commended Maamba Energy Limited for undertaking impactful CSR initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people.
Examples of project locations include: • Central Province: Kabwe (15MW), Mumbwa Nambala (10MW), Chisamba (5MW) • Copperbelt Province: Ndola (15MW), Luanshya (5MW) • Eastern Province: Chipata (10MW), Mfuwe (5MW) • Lusaka Province: Kafue (15MW), Chalimbana (5MW), Lusaka Njolwe (10MW) • Southern Province: Choma (10MW), Siavonga (10MW) • Western Province: Mongu (20MW). Presidential Solar Initiative and Developer-Initiated IPPs
Complementing the Micro-Generator Scheme, the Presidential Solar Initiative will contribute an additional 62MWp through solar PV installations at government institutions. Construction will begin within two months, with commissioning expected within three to eight months.
Additionally, Developer-Initiated IPPs, driven by private-sector innovation, will further diversify Zambia’s electricity mix, strengthening the grid and ensuring reliable electricity supply.
Minister of Energy, Hon. Makozo Chikote, MP, praised the collaboration between ZESCO and the private sector, emphasizing the projects’ role in driving Zambia’s renewable energy agenda:
“The Micro-Generator Scheme, Presidential Solar Initiative, and Developer-Initiated IPPs are pillars of our energy transformation strategy. Together, these projects, totaling (over) 332MWp, will reduce our dependence on hydropower, enhance electricity security, and support economic growth,” stated Hon. Chikote.
The Minister further highlighted the Government’s commitment to universal electricity access by 2030 and increasing the share of non-hydro renewable energy from 3% to 33%.
The projects will deliver significant socio-economic benefits. According to Eng. Loongo, construction and operations will generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in engineering, construction, and maintenance. Local industries will benefit from increased demand for equipment and services, while businesses supporting the energy sector, such as logistics and material suppliers, will experience growth.
Additionally, expanded electricity access, especially in rural areas, will drive economic activity in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, creating long-term employment opportunities and improving livelihoods. With ZESCO overseeing grid integration and technical compliance, the projects are expected to be fully operational between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.
Eng. Loongo concluded with a call for further private-sector participation: “This is just the beginning. We encourage more investors to join us in driving Zambia’s energy future. Together, we can power Zambia’s progress with clean, reliable, and sustainable electricity,” he said.
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