Power Africa has supported the development of 208 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation projects in Zambia. In addition, various firms have received U.S. Embassy support to move transactions forward. The exhibits below illustrate Power Africa’s financially closed transactions in Zambia, some of which are already online and generating critical electricity supply for the people of Zambia.

Power Africa Financially Closed Transaction in Zambia

Ngonye - Scaling Solar Zambia Round 1 (Solar – 34MW)

Financial Close Date: 12/31/2018
Commercial Operations Date: 08/13/2019
Estimated Project Cost: $49M
Overview: Power Africa partner the International Finance Corporation launched the Scaling Solar Program in Zambia, which will be the country’s first grid-connected solar PV plants. Power Africa Partner Enel Green Power was one of two winning bidders with an astounding $0.0784/kWh bid to develop 28 MW of solar power. Power Africa support included assisting ZESCO Limited, the state owned electricity utility with Power Purchase Agreement negotiations and contributing $2 million to Scaling Solar-Zambia.

Itezhi Tezhi (Hydro – 120MW)

Financial Close Date: 04/30/2014
Commercial Operations Date: 02/01/2016
Estimated Project Cost: $120M
Overview: The 120 MW hydro project is located at the base of the Itezhi Tezhi dam and is jointly owned by ZESCO Limited, the state owned electricity utility (50%) and a private holding group (50%). The project received support from Power Africa partners African Development Bank and Development Bank of South Africa as well as the Dutch Development Bank (FMO) and Propaco of France.

Bangweulu - Scaling Solar Zambia Round 1 (Solar – 54MW)

Financial Close Date: 05/01/2018
Commercial Operations Date: 04/2019
Estimated Project Cost: $70M
Overview: Power Africa partner the International Finance Corporation (IFC) launched the Scaling Solar Program in Zambia. Bangweulu will be the country’s first grid-connected solar PV plants. The project was awarded to the Neoen S.A.S (French developer) in partnership with First Solar (US solar manufacturer) by Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC Zambia). When commissioned, this project will be the first grid-connected solar PV plant in Zambia. Power Africa supported ZESCO Limited with PPA negotiations and also contributed $2 million to the IFC project costs.

Power Africa Zambia Country Page