US$80m Siavonga Solar Project Set to End Load Shedding
Zambia has taken a significant step towards enhancing energy security with the groundbreaking of the US$80 million Siavonga 100-megawatt Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project, a major renewable energy development set to strengthen the national power supply.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Energy, Permanent Secretary–Electricity Eng. Arnold Simwaba said the project demonstrates the Government’s commitment to turning policy into bankable investments that diversify the energy mix, build resilience against climate variability, and ensure reliable electricity for economic growth.
“Solar energy is becoming increasingly strategic as Zambia faces hydrological challenges affecting hydropower,” Eng. Simwaba noted. “Projects like the Siavonga Solar PV Plant are strengthening our power system to withstand climate shocks while meeting rising demand from households, businesses, and industry.”
Eng. Simwaba also commended traditional leaders in Siavonga for their proactive support in providing land, which has facilitated timely project implementation and signalled a stable and investor-friendly environment in Zambia.
The 100MW plant will be delivered by JIGSCO Energy Corporation Limited, a joint venture between ZESCO Limited and Jigsaw Investments, with Power China as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contractor.
Once operational by December 2026, the solar plant will add significant capacity to the national grid, stabilise electricity supply, and support Siavonga’s evolving role in Zambia’s energy transition from hydropower to solar.
Aligned with the Integrated Resource Plan and the 2019 National Energy Policy, the project is expected to help end load shedding and deliver socio-economic benefits, including job creation, skills development, and sustainable local economic activity.
