By Joseph Tembo 
Zambia National Marketeers Credit Association (ZANAMACA) has implored the Ministry of Energy to expedite the installation of solar facilities across all ten provinces of the country.
Association president Mupila Kameya said this follows the commissioning of the 100 Megawatts Chisamba Solar plant, that promises to provide reliable and clean energy, which is crucial for the operations of Marketeers and Small businesses.
President Hakainde Hichilema has today inaugurated the US$100 million Chisamba Solar facility, representing a significant milestone for Zambia’s energy landscape and economic development.
Mr. Kameya said addressing the power deficit must be a priority, as energy reliability is critical for stimulating economic growth, promoting jobs, and ensuring sustainable development in Zambia.
“Investing in renewable energy infrastructure is not merely a measure to combat power shortages, it is a pathway to unlocking the full potential of Zambia’s human capital, driving inclusive growth, and fostering a robust, dynamic economy.”
“With strategic investments in solar power, Zambia can not only overcome its immediate energy challenges but can also pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future for all its citizens,” Mr. Kameya stated.
He noted that with affordable energy, the informal economy operators can reduce operational costs, improve productivity, and increase their competitiveness.
He said the Chisamba solar facility is expected to deliver multiple benefits to various sectors of the economy and society, particularly for ZANAMACA and the over 6 million workers engaged in the Informal Economy, including Marketeers, Small-Scale Farmers, Traders, Bus and Taxi Drivers, and Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“Reliable electricity is vital for agricultural productivity, enabling farmers to power irrigation systems, storage facilities, and processing equipment, a move which can directly enhance food security and increase income levels for small-scale farmers,”
Mr. Kameya stated.
He noted that by fostering an environment of stable energy supply, ZANAMACA and other Financial Institutions can introduce innovative financial products tailored for marketeers and small businesses,” he added.
Meanwhile, BuyZed Campaign Founder Evans Ngoma noted that the US$100 million Chisamba Solar Project represents a significant step towards achieving an energy mix that can mitigate the impact of climate change on Zambia’s power generation capacity.
Mr. Ngoma urged investors to explore opportunities in renewable energy production, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, to create a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
“The BuyZed Campaign team commends this initiative, which aligns with the objectives outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) to diversify and increase the country’s power generation capacity.”
“We believe that strategic ownership and control of critical infrastructure are essential for driving economic growth and development,” Mr. Ngoma said.
During construction, the project stood
as a powerful engine for local employment, creating about 1,300 jobs, the vast majority of which were filled by local workers, thereby meeting the 30% local content requirement under the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Act.
News Desk 
Cecilia Chiluba