ZESCO Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Zambia’s energy mix through increased investment in solar power, with a key project currently taking shape in Mansa.
During a tour of the Mansa solar plant today, ZESCO Board Chairman Vickson Ncube said the company is moving decisively to address the country’s power challenges by diversifying its energy sources.
Mr Ncube said ZESCO’s efforts are in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s goal to produce 1,000 megawatts of solar energy by 2025.
“If you want to move fast, go alone. But if you want to move far, move with others,” he said. “We needed to bring all stakeholders on board so that the country moves forward together.”
He disclosed that KONA Energy, a ZESCO subsidiary, has entered into an agreement with a South African firm to install 10,200 rooftop solar panels across the country as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on hydro power.
Since January 2022, ZESCO has connected over 400,000 new customers, adding approximately 300 megawatts to the grid. However, Mr Ncube noted that demand for power continues to grow as the population increases and industries expand.
“Proton Cable in Lusaka, for instance, will require about 2 megawatts daily once it reaches full production,” he said.
He said Zambia’s plan to increase copper production from one million to three million tonnes annually will further heighten electricity demand, hence the need to expand both generation and transmission capacity.
Mr Ncube emphasised that ZESCO’s focus is to increase generation, improve transmission, and strengthen distribution to ensure efficiency and reliability across the network.
He further said Zambia is deepening cooperation with Malawi and Tanzania through cross-border power interconnections aimed at making the country a regional energy hub.
ZESCO’s solar projects are already progressing in Chisamba, Chipata, Kasama, Mumbwa, Choma, Serenje, Livingstone, and now Mansa, reinforcing Zambia’s shift toward clean and sustainable energy.
Zambia Reports 2025