Zambia has officially launched a 100-megawatt solar power plant, marking a significant step in the country’s renewable energy development.
The Chisamba solar power plant is expected to supply electricity to tens of thousands of homes across Zambia, with estimates suggesting it could power approximately 90,000 households.
This project positions Zambia as home to the fifth-largest single solar power initiative on the African continent, following similar projects in Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.
In sub-Saharan Africa, the Chisamba solar plant ranks as the third-largest, demonstrating the region’s growing investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
The construction of the facility cost $100 million, reflecting both the scale of the project and Zambia’s commitment to expanding its energy capacity.
The plant is expected to reduce the country’s reliance on traditional energy sources, provide more consistent electricity access, and support economic development by powering homes, businesses, and public institutions.
It is also projected to avoid approximately 150,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, contributing to Zambia’s climate change mitigation efforts.
When compared with other major African solar projects, Egypt’s Benban Solar Park leads with a 1.8-gigawatt capacity, Morocco’s Noor Ouarzazate complex totals 580 megawatts, and South Africa’s De Aar solar plants contribute more than 175 megawatts.
While these larger projects are transformative for their respective countries, Zambia’s Chisamba initiative is strategically important for southern Africa as it addresses energy deficits, boosts industrial potential, and signals a commitment to regional energy security.
Zambia’s project also enhances regional cooperation possibilities, as cross-border electricity trade and renewable energy integration could strengthen southern Africa’s power grid and support neighbouring countries facing electricity shortages.
Cost Efficiency and Economic Return
The Chisamba plant’s cost of $100 million for 100 megawatts translates to roughly $1 million per megawatt, which is competitive when compared to Egypt’s Benban Solar Park at around $1.2 million per megawatt and Morocco’s Noor Ouarzazate complex at approximately $1.15 million per megawatt.
South Africa’s De Aar solar facilities, by contrast, were developed at a slightly higher cost of $1.25 million per megawatt, reflecting different financing models and regional construction costs.
In terms of economic return, Chisamba’s projected household coverage and avoided carbon emissions indicate significant social and environmental dividends, while expected electricity sales revenue and industrial growth potential suggest a promising payback trajectory over 15–20 years.
This positions the plant as a relatively cost-efficient investment with measurable local benefits, strengthening Zambia’s appeal to international investors and development partners seeking impactful renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
Concluding Analysis
The launch of the Chisamba solar power plant highlights Zambia’s ambition to embrace renewable energy and contribute to Africa’s clean energy transition.
As energy demand rises across the continent, projects like this demonstrate how solar power can help bridge the electricity gap while reducing carbon emissions.
By comparing Chisamba to larger projects in Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa, it becomes clear that Zambia is positioning itself as a key player in the regional renewable energy landscape.
With the ability to power around 90,000 households and cut roughly 150,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, the plant offers measurable social and environmental benefits.
The project’s competitive cost per megawatt and promising economic returns further underscore its strategic importance, signalling Zambia’s potential to attract further investment in large-scale solar initiatives, fostering technological advancement and job creation.
While challenges such as maintenance, grid integration, and affordability remain, the Chisamba plant sets a benchmark for other African nations aiming to expand sustainable energy capacity.
Ultimately, Zambia’s commitment to renewable energy through this project underscores the broader vision of economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa.
