Zambia : Government Invests US$84.2 Million In Kasama Solar

Government has invested 84.2million United States dollars in the construction of 100MW Kasama Solar photovoltaic power project in Northern Province.

President Hakainde Hichilema says the investment is a step towards building an energy secure Zambia.

The President who spoke through Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa at the ground breaking ceremony of the Kasama 100MW solar project said the project will reduce the existing pressure on power generation.

“Today, we are not simply launching the construction of a solar power plant, we are essentially taking another step towards building an energy-secure Zambia,” Mr Hichilema said.

Mr Hichilema said the goal is to increase Zambia’s electricity-generation capacity to approximately 10,000 megawatts within the next five years.

“Ten thousand megawatts means more than additional power, it means mines operating and expanding, factories producing Zambian goods, businesses creating employment and communities gaining access to economic opportunity,” he explained.

He explained that the period of extensive power management was a lesson that Zambia cannot continue depending predominantly on one source of electricity.

“Hydropower remains an important natural resource, however, the changing rainfall patterns have demonstrated the risks of excessive dependence on water for electricity generation,” he said.

“We must, therefore, build a balanced and diversified electricity system comprising solar, hydropower, wind, appropriate base load generation, energy storage, stronger transmission, and distribution networks,” Mr Hichilema added

And ZESCO Managing Director Justin Loongo said the objective of the Kasama Solar Project is to enhance the generation mix and improve the reliability and supply of electricity.

Mr Loongo said the project will also create employment opportunities during construction and operation, contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and support socio-economic development in Kasama and surrounding areas.

He said Electricity generated from the plant will be evacuated through an approximately 5.7-kilometre, 330 kV transmission line to the Kasama 330/66 kV Main Substation and thereafter supplied into the national grid.

“The power generated here will therefore not only benefit Kasama, it will strengthen the wider electricity system and contribute to improved supply in Northern Province and other parts of the country,” he explained.

And Northern Province Acting Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi Phiri observed that the project will stimulate economic activities in the province.

“For Northern Province, this project is not only about the electricity that will be generated, it is also about the economic activity that will take place during the twelve-month construction period and throughout the operational life of the plant,” she said.

She explained that investors considering the establishment of a factory or processing facility have an interest in whether a place has sufficient and reliable electricity.

“Our Province has significant potential in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, commerce, manufacturing and value addition. However, that potential cannot be fully realised without adequate and reliable energy infrastructure,” Ms Undi-Phiri emphasized.

Meanwhile China Machinery Engineering Corporation Representative Hu Guangyi said the Kasama project will not only provide clean energy to the people of Zambia but also contribute to the country’s sustainable development goals.

Mr Hu said the Kasama 100MW Solar PV Project is a continued testament to the strong bilateral relations between China and Zambia.

He reaffirmed the company’s’ commitment to continue sharing its expertise and technology to support Zambia’s energy transition.

Meanwhile Senior Chief Mwamba of the Bemba people of Kasama District praised government for investment in his chiefdom.

The traditional leader explained that the project will not only address power cuts but also create job opportunities for the local people.

The US 84.2million Kasama 100MW solar photovoltaic power project is being developed in Sombe village, in Senior Chief Mwambas chiefdom on approximately 150 hectares of land.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Hot this week

Hichilema says Kikonge gold mine is for Zambians August 8, 2026 0 President Hakainde Hichilema has declared that no foreigner will... General News

ECZ reaffirms commitment to free, fair elections August 8, 2026 0 The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)has reaffirmed its commitment... Headlines

Hot FM won’t air political content for free, Chavula insists August 8, 2026 6 Hot FM proprietor Oscar Chavula used his Facebook page... Entertainment News

SENZENI – Who Will Be Sacrificed? August 8, 2026 0 Filming for Senzeni has officially wrapped, director Cosmas Ng'andwe... Columns

Zambia election choice: continuity under UPND or uncosted change under Tonse Alliance August 8, 2026 2 The August 13 general election has taken shape as...

Topics

Hichilema says Kikonge gold mine is for Zambians 0 President Hakainde Hichilema has declared that no foreigner will... General News

ECZ reaffirms commitment to free, fair elections 0 The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)has reaffirmed its commitment... Headlines

Hot FM won’t air political content for free, Chavula insists 6 Hot FM proprietor Oscar Chavula used his Facebook page... Entertainment News

SENZENI – Who Will Be Sacrificed? 0 Filming for Senzeni has officially wrapped, director Cosmas Ng'andwe... Columns

Zambia election choice: continuity under UPND or uncosted change under Tonse Alliance 2 The August 13 general election has taken shape as... Headlines

Election promises: Do they really influence voters? 6 With polling day fast approaching, Zambians are once again... Columns

Mast Editorial: Police IG must prove critics wrong on election violence 0 The Inspector General of Police, Graphel Musamba, issued a... General News

REA Completes Luwingu’s K19.4 million Grid Extension 1 The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has completed the implementation...

Related Articles

Hichilema says Kikonge gold mine is for Zambians

ECZ reaffirms commitment to free, fair elections General News August 8, 2026

REA Completes Luwingu’s K19.4 million Grid Extension

VEEP Urges Clergy to Pray for Peaceful Elections

Government hails Joseph Katema’s enduring development legacy

Popular Categories