Rising Power Generation Capacity Soars

Zambia's Electricity Generation Capacity Surges in 2024

Zambia's national installed electricity generation capacity has seen a significant increase, rising from 3,811.32 MW in 2023 to 3,871.32 MW in 2024. This growth was largely attributed to the expansion of solar power plants, particularly the Kitwe solar plants operated by the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC). These plants increased their capacity from 34 MW in 2023 to 94 MW in 2024.

This development marks a positive shift for Zambia, especially when compared to 2022, when the country's installed power generation capacity stood at 3,493 MW according to Zesco. However, despite this progress, the current actual generation figures are still far below the national demand, leading to a widening power deficit and frequent load-shedding.

According to official data from the Ministry of Energy, as of November 2025, the average power generation was 1,339 MW against an average demand of 2,450 MW. This results in a substantial shortfall of 1,111 MW on average. To address this challenge and ensure future energy sustainability, the government has launched various projects and created a favorable environment for private investors to contribute to the sector, which previously lacked investment.

These projects are currently at different stages but are expected to be completed before the end of next year. They can be categorized into four main types: power generation projects that have been completed and commissioned, those under construction, net-metering initiatives, and transmission line projects.

Energy Minister Makozo Chikote reported that so far, 347 MW of new generation has been completed in various parts of the country. Notable among these projects are the 100-MW Chisamba Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project and the 25-MW Mailo Solar PV Plant in Serenje. Additionally, the net-metering initiative has added a total capacity of 14.7 MW.

Related to these efforts, there are 29 public (ZESCO) and private sector-led pipeline projects currently under construction with a combined generation capacity of 2,510 MW, set to be commissioned within 2025 and 2026. These projects include the ZESCO Mansa Solar PV project, which has added 50 MW, the Maamba Phase II with 300 MW, and the CEC Itimpi II with 136 MW.

"The current project pipeline includes green city initiatives, rooftop solar projects, utility-scale renewable and thermal (coal) power projects," Mr. Chikote said during his update on the progress of Zambia's energy generation projects.

He emphasized that the government is aware of the concerns raised by Zambians regarding the effects of electricity load-shedding and assured the nation that sustainable solutions are being implemented. The ongoing projects, once completed, will help stabilize electricity supply, reduce load-shedding, and strengthen energy security across Zambia.

Transmission Projects Under Construction

There are currently about seven major transmission projects under construction by Zesco in Lusaka, Central, Copperbelt, Southern, and Eastern provinces. According to the ministry's pipeline and completed projects schedule, in Lusaka and Southern provinces, Zesco is working on the 330 kilovolt (kV) Muzuma-Kafue West transmission line, which is expected to be completed in 2027. Other projects include the 330kV Lusaka West-Kabwe step-down line, also slated for completion in 2027, along with the decommissioning of existing infrastructure in Lusaka next year.

Other projects include the Msoro-Kabwe step-down reactors and another decommissioning in Kitwe. Before the end of this year, Zesco expects to complete the construction of the 132/11kV Ibex substation and two switching stations in Lusaka.

Completed Projects

Six projects have collectively added 347.3 MW of power in Chisamba, Serenje, Kasempa, Chirundu, Ndola, Kitwe, Lusaka, and Mumbwa. These include:

• The 100 Mega Watts (MW) Chisamba solar power plant.

Various private and public entities, such as the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), have mobilized funds and invested in projects like the Chisamba, Mailo, Ross Breeders, Mazabuka Farm, Indo-Zambia Bank, Mkango Golfview, and Bank of Zambia ones. These projects also include those by the CEC-Renewables, United Capital Fertiliser, the Rural Electrification Authority, and the Kitumba mine. Some of these projects are off-grid, while others are grid-scale solar plants.

Projects Under Construction

The expected game-changers are still under construction but are anticipated to be operational either before the end of this year or next year. Out of the 29 projects, mainly solar-based with only three thermal ones, they are located in various parts of the country. Collectively, they will bring on stream 2,508.82 MW, effectively doubling the current generation capacity.

These projects highlight the awakening of the electricity subsector in terms of diversifying power sources. They exemplify the power of political will in attracting investment for any field or cause, which the current administration has demonstrated in this subsector.

Funding Requirements

Talking about investments, Zesco requires $186 million to finalize six of its projects and add 270 MW of power to its generation. The projects, which had a total cost of $222 million, include the second phase of the famous Chisamba solar project, which will add another 100 MW of power, similar to the Chipata West one in Chipata district. Smaller projects located in Mansa, Lusaka, and Monze collectively account for 70 MW of additional power for Zesco.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that even if the national demand for power is a shifting shadow due to the increasing number and needs of power consumers, if the 2,508.82 MW is brought on board as scheduled, it will seal the current supply gap. Despite the fact that the national demand is ever increasing because of new and other power consumers, the 2,508.82 MW seems sufficient to cater for the current deficit of about 1,111 MW and the expected upsurge in power demand as a result of new mines and other investors.

This is particularly positive since most of the expected power additions are in the form of solar energy, which will not be affected by any drought. The country is set to take the electricity supply to another level through diversification and increased investments.