Zambia army signs agreement for three solar energy projects

Zambia's push to add 1,000MW of solar power to its national grid has gained momentum with the Zambia Army signing a memorandum of understanding with Kiyona Energy Limited to develop three renewable energy projects.

The agreement, signed at Army Headquarters in Lusaka, allocates military land for solar installations aimed at strengthening both energy security and national defense capabilities.

Under the MoU, the Army has committed land for:

• A 30MW solar PV plant on 30 hectares at L85

• A 4MW solar PV system for water pumping and residential supply

• A 5MW facility in Kaoma under the Green Cities Initiative

Army Commander Lieutenant-General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele emphasized that Zambia's security depends on reliable, sustainable electricity supply. He noted the Army is opening pathways for similar developments across all military cantonments.

ZESCO Managing Director Justin Loongo described the partnership as aligning national priorities including energy security, climate resilience, and modernization of critical government infrastructure.

"The Army will benefit from reliable green energy solutions that reduce dependence on the grid at critical facilities and enhance energy planning for mission-critical operations," Loongo said, commending the military's embrace of sustainable energy systems.

The agreement supports Zambia's emergency power diversification strategy to reduce dependence on climate-vulnerable hydropower, which historically provides over 80% of the country's electricity generation. The government's 1,000MW solar target is being pursued through public-private partnerships, utility-led procurement by ZESCO, and independent power producer developments supported by multilateral finance.

The move comes as Africa experiences rapid energy transformation, with the continent importing 15GW of solar panels in the past year—a 60% increase from the previous year.