Zambia Surpasses 1,000 MW Solar Capacity Target

Zambia has surpassed its target of 1,000 megawatts of installed solar capacity for 2026, President Hakainde Hichilema said, calling for stronger regional cooperation to support Africa’s energy development.

The country’s installed electricity generation capacity has increased to 4,722 MW from 3,777 MW in 2024, while solar capacity has risen to 1,027 MW from 178 MW, Hichilema said in a speech read by Vice President Mutale Nalumango at the opening of the 2026 Energy Forum.

The forum was held under the theme “Driving a Borderless Energy Future for Africa”.

Hichilema said the expansion of solar capacity marked progress in diversifying Zambia’s energy mix as climate change challenges its reliance on hydropower.

The success of Zambia’s energy strategy should be measured by its contribution to economic growth and transformation, as well as by installed capacity, he said.

As the country works towards a generation capacity target of 10,000 MW by 2031, investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure must keep pace, Hichilema said, urging energy sector participants to prioritise transmission.

He said the government was committed to providing a policy environment that supports sustainable investment and called for greater regional energy integration.

Acting Energy Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said Zambia had several energy projects at different stages of development and expressed confidence that partnerships would help the country meet its 2031 target.

Musokotwane urged investors who had signed power purchase agreements to proceed with implementation, saying the forum should help turn commitments into projects.

Zambia was positioning itself as a regional electricity hub, with its Grow Zambia Agenda focusing on generation, transmission and distribution, he said in a speech read by Arnold Simwaba, permanent secretary responsible for electricity.

Zimbabwe’s Energy Minister July Moyo said an integrated regional energy system was necessary to support expanding industries, particularly mining and agriculture.

Zambia and Zimbabwe were working on an electricity interconnector to strengthen regional energy security, Moyo said, urging countries to invest in cross-border infrastructure before energy crises arise.