Zambia Signs $300m Agro Deals and 100MW Solar Project to Boost Energy and Food Security
The Government of Zambia has sealed two landmark investment agreements aimed at strengthening the country’s energy and agricultural sectors, with the signing of a 100MW solar power project in Maamba and over US$300 million in agro-based investments in Luapula Province.
At a signing ceremony held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, the Ministry of Energy, ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH), Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), and Maamba Solar Energy Limited (MSEL) formalised agreements to implement the solar project. The Implementation Agreement (IA) and the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) were concluded, providing the framework for the project’s rollout.
Permanent Secretary for Energy (Electricity), Eng. Arnold Simwaba, said the deal underscores Zambia’s determination to diversify its energy mix: “We are now diversifying, investing in different technologies like solar. We have just witnessed the signing of 100 MW of solar energy to be installed in Maamba.”
The solar facility, scheduled to be operational by 2026, will utilise advanced bifacial modules, single-axis tracking systems, and a 330kV substation built to international standards. It is expected to deliver clean and affordable electricity to homes, industries, and businesses across Zambia.
Maamba Solar Energy Director, Mr Ashwin Devineni, emphasised the project’s role in reducing power deficits: “This 100 MW solar project is a critical step in diversifying Zambia’s energy mix. We are looking to help solve the load-shedding problem… the 100 MW solar should also be ready in nine months’ time.”
ZCCM-IH Chairman, Mr Phesto Musonda, noted that the project would help ease the effects of load-shedding that have impacted all citizens, praising government efforts to encourage private investment in power generation.
Alongside the solar project, Nava Global Pte Ltd signed investment agreements with ZDA to establish Nava Avocado and Kawambwa Sugar Limited in Luapula Province. Valued at more than US$300 million, the ventures will make Zambia a major player in global agriculture. The avocado farm, expected to yield 25,000 metric tonnes annually, will rank among the world’s largest, while the Kawambwa Sugar project will cultivate 5,000 hectares, process 3,500 tonnes of cane per day, and operate a 20 MW bagasse power plant and distillery.
ZDA Director General, Mr Albert Halwampa, hailed the developments as proof of Zambia’s favourable investment climate: “Of course, this signifies the fact that investment climate in this country is at its highest… We are so happy that just a few days ago we launched the groundbreaking for the 100 MW Solar Project. Now we are talking about the avocado farm block and sugar.”
The Maamba solar initiative complements Maamba Energy Limited’s existing 300 MW thermal power station, with Phase II expansion set to increase capacity to 600 MW by 2026. Together, these projects will add nearly 700 MW to Zambia’s national grid, reinforcing the nation’s ambition to become a regional energy hub.
The combination of large-scale renewable energy and agro-industrial investments signals Zambia’s broader economic strategy to secure energy supply, create jobs, and strengthen food security, whilst advancing towards its climate and sustainability targets.
