Zambia and PowerChina Sign MoU to Revamp Solar-Powered Hammer Mills

The Zambian government, through the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) and the Zambia Cooperative Federation (ZCF), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PowerChina Jiangxi Electric Power Construction Co. Ltd (JEPCC) today with an aim of revitalizing a solar-powered initiative.

This MoU targets the improvement of solar-powered hammer mills procured in 2015 under the Presidential Initiative. These 2-ton per day mills were designed to serve rural communities by providing maize processing, electricity, water, and sanitation services.

The key objectives outlined in the MoU are to leverage JEPCC’s expertise to diagnose, repair, and upgrade the existing mills, restoring them to their original functionality. This initiative aligns with the government’s goals of promoting economic transformation and job creation by fostering the development and growth of cooperatives and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Zambia.

Furthermore, the MoU aims to increase business opportunities for small-scale cooperative owners operating solar-powered mills in maize-producing areas. Additionally, it emphasizes investment in skills training and capacity building programs to equip Zambians with the necessary skills to repair and maintain these solar plants.

The MoU establishes a framework for joint collaboration, including the appointment of a team of qualified professionals to oversee the implementation and optimization of the project. This collaborative effort extends to potentially undertaking new projects related to solar power solutions.

By reviving the solar hammer mill project, this MoU is expected to empower rural communities and contribute to Zambia’s overall economic development.