Zambia's Solar Capacity Nears 1 GW Target as Projects and Reforms Accelerate

Zambia’s installed solar capacity has risen from 88 MW in 2021 to about 841 MW in 2026, representing more than 18 % of the nation’s generation mix. The growth follows regulatory reforms introduced in 2023 that opened transmission and distribution networks to private producers and launched a digital licensing system. Public and private projects—including the two‑phase 196‑MW Itimpi plant, the 200‑MW Chisamba plant, and the 50‑MW Mabumba plant—have driven the expansion, while a net‑metering programme launched in July 2024 already supplies over 30 MW of grid‑connected power.

In parallel, EnerSynk Group secured key approvals from Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board and the Office of the Attorney General for a 500 MW solar project. The development, coordinated from the company’s Budapest headquarters, is projected to generate between US$2.8 bn and US$3.7 bn over 25 years and avoid roughly 835,000 t of CO₂ annually, supporting Zambia’s ambition to reach 10 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.