Zambia: Minister Chikote Breaks Ground For Construction Of 50MW Cooma Solar Project

Zambia has commenced the construction of a 50-megawatt Solar Plant in Choma District.

The country’s Minister for Energy, Makozo Chikote, performed a groundbreaking ceremony for the project’s commencement on Friday, May 9, 2025.

The solar power plant, which includes a 20-megawatt battery energy storage system, forms part of a broader 100-megawatt project aimed at contributing to Zambia’s energy security and low-carbon development. The project aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s goal of delivering an additional 1,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid by December 2025.

The project is being developed by a joint venture comprising Turkish firm YEO Teknoloji Enerji ve Endustri AS (YEO) and Zambian independent power producer GEI Power Limited.

Power generated will be supplied to the national utility, ZESCO Limited, under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

“This project is a strategic response to our country’s electricity deficit,” said Mr. Chikote.

“Let me be clear: technocrats must not hinder this government’s development agenda with unnecessary delays. We must deliver results, not excuses,” he added.

Mr. Chikote reaffirmed the government’s full institutional backing and directed that all employment opportunities—150 direct and 1,500 indirect jobs during the construction phase—be reserved for local people, in line with the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth.

Also present at the ceremony was Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Nelly Mutti, whose presence underscored the national importance of the project. Choma Central Member of Parliament Cornelius Mweetwa, who is also Southern Province Minister, echoed Mr. Chikote’s sentiments and urged residents to take ownership of the project.

“This plant is your asset. Do not allow anyone to destroy what is meant to uplift our communities. Let’s guard it as a legacy for future generations,” Mr. Mweetwa said.

His Royal Highness Chief Cooma expressed gratitude for the government’s decision to locate the project in his chiefdom and offered additional land for future expansions.

He also made a passionate appeal to his subjects to safeguard the facility.

“We thank the government for this milestone. I am prepared to offer more land if needed. But this development must be protected—it is ours, and it must serve our people well,” said Chief Cooma.

In a mark of international partnership, Mr. Huseyin Barbaros Dicle, Turkish Ambassador to Zambia, reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s energy goals through cooperation and investment.

Once operational, the Cooma Solar Plant is expected to strengthen Zambia’s power supply, generate employment, and contribute significantly to national and regional development.

Source:https://energynewsafrica.com