By Jane Chanda
Energy minister Makozo Chikote says Zambia has taken a transformative step towards energy self-sufficiency, electricity security and economic growth with the signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) under the Micro-Generator Scheme and the Presidential Solar Initiative.
And Zesco managing director Justin Loongo said the signing of 29 Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) marked a significant milestone in Zambia’s electricity sector, demonstrating the country’s commitment to diversifying its electricity generation mix and achieving energy security.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka yesterday, the minister noted that the government aimed to expand electricity access from 53.6 percent to 100 percent by 2030, adding 3.2 million new connections to homes and businesses across Zambia.
“Our goal is clear: expand electricity access … adding 3.2 million new connections to homes and businesses across Zambia,” he said.
The minister said the Micro-Generator Scheme and Presidential Solar Initiative were critical components of Zambia’s energy vision, with 29 Independent Power Producers contributing a combined capacity of approximately 270MWp to diversify the country’s energy mix, improve electricity access, reduce reliance on hydropower, and strengthen grid stability.
He said the government was also committed to enhancing electricity security by strengthening transmission and distribution infrastructure, encouraging private-sector participation and implementing the Open Access Policy, which would ensure a secure, sustainable and sufficient national power supply.
“Electricity is not just about power – it is about opportunity, health, education and prosperity,” Chikote noted.
He also highlighted the importance of ensuring every Zambian had access to affordable electricity, which the government was supporting through Distributed Renewable Energy solutions, a One-Stop Shop for licensing and permitting, and cost-reflective tariffs.
“To the people of Zambia, these initiatives are for you… Together, we can ensure that no household, no school, no hospital, no market and no business is left in the dark,” the minister said.
And Loongo noted that the signing of PPAs by Independent Power Producers (IPPs) was strategic to Zambia’s energy development and security aspirations.
He emphasised that these developments were not just about expanding electricity supply but also about empowering businesses and communities, fostering economic growth and ensuring a cleaner and more resilient electricity sector.
Loongo highlighted the Micro-Generator Scheme as a key pillar in Zambia’s renewable energy drive, integrating small-scale projects into the national grid with a total capacity of approximately 270MWp.
He mentioned the Presidential Solar Initiative, which would add 62MW of solar PV capacity through installations at government institutions.
“The over 320MW of solar power that will be generated will provide the much-needed electricity to homes, businesses, and industries, especially in rural and underserved areas,” Loongo said.
He further anticipated the creation of hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in engineering, construction, maintenance, and supply chain industries.
“To the IPPs executing these agreements today, we commend your dedication, innovation, and commitment to renewable electricity development in Zambia,” Loongo said.
He emphasised that Zesco was proud to partner with the IPPs and looked forward to supporting more independent power producers, scaling up renewable electricity projects, and ensuring universal access to electricity for all Zambians.
Loongo further noted that the signing of the PPAs was expected to enhance electricity security and drive economic growth in agriculture, manufacturing and rural electrification, with the projects spread across all ten provinces, and the first ones expected to break ground within the next few months.
