Zambia’s efforts to diversify its energy mix by targeting 1,000 megawatts from solar power are beginning to yield results, with President Hakainde Hichilema on Friday officially commissioning the 50-megawatt Mabumba Solar Plant in Chief Mabumba’s area of Mansa.
The project is expected to benefit more than 20,000 households and boost economic activity in the province.
In November 2025, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote said, “So far, 347MW of new generation capacity has been completed.” Notable among these are the 100MW Chisamba Solar PV Project, the 25MW Mailo Solar PV Plant in Serenje, and various projects under the net-metering initiative with a total capacity of 14.7MW.
With the commissioning of the 50MW Mabumba Solar Plant, Zambia’s total installed solar capacity has now reached about 400MW.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, President Hichilema noted that since independence, the area had largely relied on the 10MW Musonda Falls Hydropower Station, which has fallen far short of meeting the growing electricity demand estimated at around 30MW.
He said previous administrations failed to prioritise energy diversification and economic expansion, stressing that his government has taken deliberate steps to reform the energy sector and diversify the country’s power sources.
The President said the reforms undertaken by his administration are already yielding results, commending ZESCO Limited for successfully delivering the project, as well as the Energy Regulation Board for providing effective oversight and leadership.
“Development starts with a vision, followed by planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Nothing happens by chance,” President Hichilema said.
He highlighted that the project created jobs during the construction phase and will continue to provide permanent employment opportunities, while also supporting key sectors such as mining in Luapula Province.
President Hichilema emphasised that meaningful development requires consistent planning and execution, adding that the newly commissioned solar plant will also support events such as the Luapula Expo and stimulate industrial growth in the region.
On his part, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote described the commissioning of the 50-megawatt Mabumba Solar Project as a clear demonstration of President Hichilema’s commitment to diversifying Zambia’s energy mix and delivering on promises made to citizens.
Mr Chikote said the project reflects the Head of State’s vision to strengthen energy security and expand the country’s power sources, adding that ongoing reforms in the sector are beginning to yield tangible results.
He said the solar plant, which feeds into the national grid, is part of broader reforms aimed at prioritising investment in renewable energy while reducing reliance on hydropower.
“What we are commissioning today is leading the New Dawn administration towards achieving universal access to electricity by 2030 and positioning Zambia as a regional energy hub,” he said.
He added that the project contributes to Zambia’s target of attaining 10,000 megawatts of installed capacity by 2030 and called on citizens to unite in supporting national development efforts.
The Energy Minister further stated that solar initiatives, once criticised by some stakeholders, are now proving effective, with more projects lined up across the country.
He commended President Hichilema for his leadership, noting that deliberate investments in the sector have significantly reduced electricity shortages.
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