Cabinet Approves Solar Farms for All 156 Constituencies

Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative and Programme, aimed at developing 2 MW solar farms in each of Zambia's 156 constituencies, generating a total capacity of 312 MW.

Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said the small-scale solar farms will utilize existing power substations, connection points and suitable sites within each constituency for rapid implementation.

The project will be partially funded from the Constituency Development Fund in partnership with the private sector, implemented by local councils, with power sold to ZESCO Limited.

Ministry of Local Government Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Nicholas Phiri said the total project cost is approximately K4.6 billion, with an initial equity contribution of K2.3 billion immediately available.

The K2.3 billion equity comprises K920 million from CDF loan and disaster components, and K1.38 billion from ZCCM-IH's equity contribution. Additional financing will be sourced from financial institutions and banks.

Mr Phiri said the Ministry will mobilize equity from restructuring the CDF, releasing about K826 million. Each constituency is expected to contribute approximately K5.9 million, with only about K603,000 coming from community projects.

The project objectives include providing electricity to all districts countrywide and guaranteeing steady income for participating constituencies through power sales, while contributing to national energy security.