Private Observer

 

ZESCO and CEC Join Forces to Power Zambia’s Solar Future

Ambitious collaboration marks a major step toward energy diversification and climate resilience.

Lusaka, Zambia — In a landmark move to reshape Zambia’s energy landscape, the state-owned Zambian Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) and the Lusaka-listed Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) have announced an ambitious plan to develop a portfolio of large-scale, greenfield solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. The initiative aims to accelerate the nation’s transition toward renewable energy while strengthening long-term security of supply.

For decades, Zambia’s electricity generation has relied heavily on hydropower — a clean but climate-vulnerable source increasingly affected by erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts. The new collaboration between ZESCO and CEC signals a decisive pivot toward solar energy, aligning with the government’s strategy to diversify energy sources and ensure greater reliability for both households and industry.

“This partnership represents a new chapter for Zambia’s power sector,” said an energy sector analyst in Lusaka. “By combining ZESCO’s national infrastructure with CEC’s private-sector agility, the country can unlock significant solar potential and attract further investment in clean energy.”

While detailed capacity targets have not been formally disclosed, industry insiders suggest that the program could add hundreds of megawatts of new renewable capacity over the coming years. This would not only ease current supply constraints but also position Zambia as a regional leader in sustainable power generation.

The rollout aligns with Zambia’s commitments under the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and global climate accords such as the Paris Agreement, underscoring the country’s determination to meet rising energy demand without compromising environmental goals.

As the nation looks ahead, the ZESCO–CEC partnership could become a cornerstone of Zambia’s energy transformation driving industrial growth, creating green jobs, and ensuring that the lights stay on in a more climate-resilient future.

By Samuel Mbewe