Globeleq’s 56MWp Kafue Solar Project Breaks Ground, Strengthening Zambia’s Energy Security
Construction has officially begun on the Kafue Solar Project in Zambia’s Lusaka Province, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition toward a more diversified and resilient energy mix.
The 56MWp solar facility is being developed by Globeleq through the GET FiT Zambia programme and is expected to begin supplying electricity to the national grid in the third quarter of 2027.
The project is being delivered by Solarcentury Africa and Alensy Energy Solutions under an engineering, procurement and construction agreement.
Once operational, the solar plant will provide clean electricity to the national grid under a 25-year power purchase agreement with ZESCO, supporting Zambia’s efforts to address growing power demand while reducing dependence on hydropower.
The project is expected to generate enough electricity to supply approximately 38,000 households and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 48,000 tonnes annually.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the development is anticipated to create around 200 jobs during peak construction, with further employment opportunities expected during plant operations.
The Kafue Solar Project forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Zambia’s energy infrastructure and improve electricity reliability in key economic and industrial regions.
Grid upgrades associated with the project are expected to enhance transmission capacity and support the integration of renewable energy into the national power system.
The development also reinforces investor confidence in Zambia’s renewable energy sector.
Large-scale solar projects are increasingly being viewed as a critical component of the country’s long-term energy strategy, helping to diversify generation sources and reduce vulnerability to drought-related disruptions that have affected hydropower production in recent years.
Industry stakeholders believe the project demonstrates the value of cooperation between the public and private sectors in accelerating energy development.
By combining international financing, technical expertise and long-term power supply agreements, the Kafue Solar Project is expected to contribute to economic growth, enhance energy security and support Zambia’s transition to a lower-carbon future.
