Zambia has made a significant stride in enhancing its energy security and attracting renewable energy investments with the launch of the $80 million Siavonga 100 MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project. The large-scale development is expected to bolster the country’s national power supply and support economic growth. The project reflects the government’s commitment to diversifying Zambia’s energy mix, enhancing resilience to climate variability, and ensuring reliable electricity.
According to Permanent Secretary–Electricity Eng. Arnold Simwaba, solar energy has become a strategic priority due to the impact of hydrological challenges on hydropower generation. The Siavonga Solar PV Plant is designed to strengthen the power system against climate shocks and meet rising electricity demand from households, businesses, and industry. The project has been made possible by the provision of land by traditional leaders in Siavonga, which has created investor certainty and enabled the project to move efficiently from planning to implementation.
The 100 MW plant will be developed by JIGSCO Energy Corporation Limited, a joint venture between ZESCO Limited and Jigsaw Investments, with Power China serving as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor. Once completed, the project will add significant capacity to the national grid, improve supply stability, and reinforce Siavonga’s role in Zambia’s evolving energy landscape. The project is scheduled to achieve commercial operation by December 2026 and aligns with Zambia’s Integrated Resource Plan and the National Energy Policy of 2019.
The project is expected to contribute to ending load shedding and deliver long-term socio-economic benefits, including job creation, skills development, and sustained local economic activity. The development of the Siavonga Solar PV Plant demonstrates Zambia’s commitment to transitioning from hydro-based generation to solar power and strengthening its energy security. The project is a significant step towards achieving a stable, predictable, and inclusive environment for energy investments in the country.