Zambia: ZESCO Signs Mou With Zaango Aspin For 600 MW Gas-Fired Power Project

Zambia’s state-owned power utility ZESCO Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Zaango Aspin Limited for the development of a 600-megawatt (MW) gas-fired power plant.

The agreement was signed in Lusaka by ZESCO Acting Managing Director Fitzpatrick Kapepe and Zaango Aspin Group Chief Executive Officer Emilio Palu Matumbi.

Kapepe said the agreement would help ZESCO increase generation capacity and improve the reliability of electricity supply as demand grows.

“ZESCO will continue to work with independent power producers (IPPs) to accelerate investment in new generation projects to meet the country’s growing electricity demand,” he said.

Matumbi welcomed government efforts to attract private investment into Zambia’s energy sector and said Zaango Aspin was committed to supporting the country’s power industry.

“We thank the government for creating an environment that gives investors the confidence to come to Zambia and invest in the energy sector,” he said.

The agreement comes as Zambia seeks to expand electricity generation to support economic growth and reduce power supply constraints.

President Hakainde Hichilema’s second-term economic programme includes a target of increasing Zambia’s electricity generation capacity to 10,000 MW over the next five years.

ZESCO has been seeking greater participation from independent power producers as the country works to expand and diversify its power generation capacity.

Once developed, the 600 MW gas-fired project is expected to add to Zambia’s electricity supply and support demand from households, businesses and industry.