CEC Itimpi 2 Commissioned as Hichilema Sets Out Power Ambitions

President Hakainde Hichilema has said Zambia needs 8,000 megawatts of power to produce three million tonnes of copper, underscoring the case for further generation capacity to serve mining and other sectors.

Speaking at the commissioning of the 136-megawatt CEC Itimpi 2 Solar Power Plant in Kitwe, the President said reforms introduced by his government had already attracted fresh investment into energy, and pledged continued support for companies entering the sector. The objective, he added, is to secure enough electricity for domestic consumption and export.

President Hichilema also thanked the Chinese government for opening its market to two million tonnes of Zambian soya beans each year. Chinese Ambassador Han Jing credited the strengthening relationship between Lusaka and Beijing for the inflow of Chinese investment now reaching Zambia.

CEC Chief Executive Owen Silavwa said the project was designed to bolster national energy security, while Board Chairperson London Mwafulilwa said Itimpi 2 showed Zambia is open for energy partnerships. The plant created 2,000 jobs during its 2025 to 2026 construction phase.

Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo praised the President's record on the Copperbelt, while Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe urged Zambians to back Mr Hichilema at this year's general elections.