MANSA, Zambia
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Friday commissioned a 50-megawatt solar plant in Mansa District’s Luapula Province, marking the first major power generation investment in the province in more than 60 years.
The Mansa Solar Plant, built by China Machinery Company at a cost of approximately $48 million, features more than 1,500 panels and reached substantial completion in December 2025.
Construction began in February 2025 and generated more than 350 jobs, with priority given to local workers.
The plant forms part of Zambia’s national target to reach 10,000 megawatts of installed capacity by 2030.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Hichilema said the project “comes from clear vision, good planning and implementation.”
He said the facility would support manganese mining operations and broader economic activities in Luapula Province.
ZESCO Managing Director Justin Loongo said the solar project would improve reliability in power supply and contribute to inclusive economic development across the province.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote said the commissioning demonstrated the value of renewable energy investments that had drawn public skepticism.
He said electricity load shedding had effectively ended as a result of the government’s energy expansion program.
Hichilema said Zambia’s dependence on hydropower had left the country vulnerable to climate shocks, citing the 2024 drought-induced energy shortfall.
The Mansa plant is one of several renewable energy projects in the government’s pipeline aimed at strengthening long-term energy security.
Luapula Province Minister Nason Musonda said increased access to electricity was expected to stimulate economic growth and expand employment opportunities for local communities.
