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ZAMBIA’s total electricity generation capability increased to 3,871.32 Megawatt (MW) in 2024, up from 3,811.32 MW in 2023.

As per the Ministry of Energy, the increase was fueled by extra capacity from solar power stations such as the Kitwe solar plants operated by the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), which increased from 34 MW in 2023 to 94 MW in 2024.

Amid the energy shortage, this marked a significant enhancement compared to 2022, when, as reported by Zesco, the nation’s installed power generation capacity stood at 3,493 MW.

Nevertheless, the existing production levels are significantly lower than the country’s need for this vital resource, leading to an increasing shortfall and resulting in power cuts.

According to official figures from the ministry, by November 2025, the average power generated was 1,339 MW, compared to an average demand of 2,450 MW.

This results in a significant average deficit of 1,111 MW.

To counter this and secure long-term energy sustainability, the government has introduced several initiatives, while also creating a favorable climate for private investors to fund this sector, which previously suffered from insufficient investment.

The initiatives are currently at different phases, but they are anticipated to be completed before the conclusion of the following year.

These initiatives can be divided into four groups: power generation projects that have been completed and are operational, those currently being built, the net-metering programs, and projects related to transmission lines.

Energy Minister Makozo Chikote states that, to date, 347 MW of additional power generation has been finalized in different regions across the nation.

Among the key initiatives are the 100-MW Chisamba Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project, the 25-MW Mailo Solar PV Plant in Serenje, and projects under the net-metering program that have added a combined capacity of 14.7 MW.

In connection with this, 29 pipeline projects led by both the public (ZESCO) and private sectors are currently being built, featuring a combined generation capacity of 2,510 MW set to come online between 2025 and 2026.

These initiatives encompass the ZESCO Mansa Solar PV project, which has introduced 50MW of power, the Maamba Phase II, featuring 300MW, and the CEC Itimpi II (136MW).

“The existing project pipeline involves green city initiatives, rooftop solar projects, and large-scale renewable and thermal (coal) power projects,” Mr. Chikote stated while updating the country on the advancements in Zambia’s energy generation projects on Sunday.

He mentions that the government is aware of the worries Zambians have regarding the impact of power cuts but pledges that long-term solutions are being developed.

Certainly, sustainable approaches are in place, as the ongoing initiatives, upon completion, will ensure a stable power supply, minimize blackouts, and enhance energy security throughout Zambia.

Transmission projects under construction

Approximately seven significant transmission initiatives are being developed by Zesco across Lusaka, Central, Copperbelt, Southern, and Eastern provinces.

As per the ministry’s plan and finalized projects timeline, Zesco is currently developing the 330 kilovolt (kV) Muzuma-Kafue West transmission line in Lusaka and Southern provinces, set to finish in 2027.

Other lines include the 330kV Lusaka West-Kabwe step-down line, which is also anticipated to be finished in 2027, coinciding with the shutdown of the current three lines expected to occur in Lusaka next year.

Other facilities include the Msoro-Kabwe step-down reactors, along with a decommissioning project in Kitwe. By the end of this year, Zesco aims to finish building the 132/11kV Ibex substation and two switching stations in Lusaka.

Completed projects

Six initiatives have collectively contributed 347.3 MW of energy in Chisamba, Serenje, Kasempa, Chirundu, Ndola Kitwe, Lusaka, and Mumbwa.

·THE 100 Megawatts (MW) Chisamba solar power plant.

Numerous private and public organizations, including the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), have gathered resources and allocated investments into projects such as Chisamba, Mailo, Ross Breeders, Mazabuka Farm, Indo-Zambia Bank, Mkango Golfview, and the Bank of Zambia.

They also feature the CEC-Renewables, United Capital Fertiliser, the Rural Electrification Authority, and the Kitumba mine.

Some of their initiatives are independent of the grid, while others are large-scale solar facilities.

Projects under construction

The key innovations are still being developed and are anticipated to be operational either by the end of this year or next year.

The 29 initiatives, primarily focused on solar energy, with just three being thermal, are located in different regions across the country.

They will collectively start generating 2,508.82 MW and nearly double the existing power production, assuming all other factors remain constant.

These initiatives highlight the emergence of the electricity sector in terms of expanding energy sources.

They showcase the strength of political determination in attracting funding for any area or initiative, something the present government has illustrated within this subsector.

Funding requirements

Speaking about investments, Zesco needs $186 million to complete six of its projects and increase its power generation by 270 MW.

The initiatives with a total cost of $222 million include the second phase of the well-known Chisamba solar project, which will increase power generation by an additional 100 MW, similar to the Chipata West project in the Chipata district.

The smaller initiatives situated in Mansa, Lusaka, and Monze together contribute 70 MW of the extra power for Zesco.

Conclusion

The key point is that although the national demand for electricity is constantly changing because of the growing number of power users, if the 2,508.82 MW is added as planned, it will close the existing supply gap.

Despite the increasing national demand due to new and other power consumers, the 2,508.82 MW is adequate to meet the current shortfall of approximately 1,111 MW, as well as the anticipated rise in electricity demand caused by new mines and other investors.

This is especially favorable because the majority of the anticipated power increases come from solar energy, which will remain unaffected by any drought.

The nation is poised to elevate its power supply by expanding sources and boosting financial commitments.

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