By Cecilia Chiluba 
The much anticipated Chisamba 100-megawatts Solar PV Plant has officially been inaugurated, contributing to a more climate-resilient, diversified energy mix, aligned with Zambia’s Integrated Resource Plan and international climate goals.
Located in Kafungalubala Village in Chisamba District, Central Province, the US$100 million solar facility is the largest grid-connected solar development in Zambia’s history and the largest in sub-Saharan Africa outside of South Africa.
Stanbic Bank Zambia was a key financial backer of the Chisamba Solar Project, providing US$71.5 million in debt financing as the Mandated Lead Arranger and Sole Lender for the 100 megawatt solar project.
The project is foundational to President Hichilema’s 1,000MW solar onboarding target by the end of 2025, designed to diversify the national electricity mix and bolster electricity security.
The plant was developed by Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation (KNBEPC), a subsidiary of Zesco Ltd, in partnership with GreenCo Power Services and First Quantum Minerals.
According to ZESCO, the plant utilizes 180,356 bifacial panels to generate clean electricity for 30,000 to 50,000 Zambian homes annually.
Officiating at the Commissioning of the solar facility, President Hichilema directed ZESCO limited and KNBEPC to ensure that a good portion of power from the new solar plant is retained in Chisamba, Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi districts to make Central Province more economically viable.
President Hichilema said this should be done to allow small businesses such as saloons and barbershops to operate without any power interruptions.
“This is to ensure that the people of Chisamba, Kabwe and Kapiri can see value in the power station which they have supported even before it was built.”
“This is a beautiful story, just allow us to tell it properly. Let us work together to get the country to where it should be,” President Hichilema emphasized.
He expressed optimism that the country will get to a point where it will be able to produce a lot of power for local consumption, and export the surplus so as to generate the much needed foreign exchange (forex).
“This is why we have seen the Kwacha appreciating. If we do not export, another country in the region will take up the market,” he added.
Speaking earlier, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote assured that Government will attend to all challenges affecting the energy sector.
Meanwhile, ZESCO Managing Director, Justine Loongo said the project which was done in a period of 10 months, is the first among the many that will be done across the country ranging from 5MW to 100MW in areas such as Serenje, Kafue Gorge lower, Kasama, Chipata and Choma, among others.
“Mr. President, while today we celebrate this 100MW achievement, our vision in tandem with yours extends far beyond Chisamba. This is the first step in positioning Zambia as an energy exporter through the Southern African Power Pool,” he said.
He commended the contractor, Power China for the trust and commitment exhibited as they pushed through to complete the project even before the financial side was concluded.
And some Chisamba residents have welcomed the initiative stating that it will go a long way in mitigating power challenges in their communities and the country as a whole.
The Chisamba Solar facility is a significant step towards sustainable development, projected to offset 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
News Desk 
Joseph Tembo