Solarcentury Africa and Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) have agreed Heads of Terms to co-develop the plant. The site connects to the ZESCO national transmission backbone. That grid proximity gives the project strong strategic positioning from the outset.
Under the agreement, each party takes a defined role. IDC has secured the site and completed initial technical studies. Solarcentury Africa will lead project development, design, financing and delivery through to financial close.
Grid access gives the project strategic value
The plant is designed primarily to supply large industrial users in the region. Its location in Central Province reduces dependence on power transferred from southern generation centres. As a result, transmission losses should fall and supply reliability should improve for anchor off-takers.
Location also matters for grid economics. Proximity to the ZESCO backbone shortens connection timelines. However, the project remains at the development stage. Heads of Terms establish the partnership framework. They do not confirm financial close or a construction start date.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s solar capacity continues to grow. Ministry of Energy data, as reported by PV Magazine, put installed solar photovoltaic capacity at roughly 841 MW by mid-2026. Utility-scale projects from ZESCO, Copperbelt Energy Corporation and Solarcentury Africa all feature in that national pipeline.
What does this deal mean for investors?
The agreement creates a clear path from industrial power demand to new renewable supply. It also positions Solarcentury Africa as the project’s financing lead — a role that will attract attention from development finance institutions and private lenders active in southern Africa.
Industrial power demand is becoming the anchor for Zambia’s next solar investment cycle.
Solarcentury Africa brings regional credentials to the partnership. Its Mailo Phase I project, a 25 MWp plant in Zambia, trades merchant power through the Southern African Power Pool and is commercially operational. Expansion toward 118 MWp is planned in phases. That track record supports confidence in the developer’s ability to reach financial close on larger assets.
IDC’s mandate and Zambia’s energy strategy
For IDC, the project directly supports its mandate to strengthen Zambia’s industrial base. The corporation is the state’s primary vehicle for industrial investment and development. Its involvement signals government-level commitment to the project’s progress.
Zambia’s policy direction favours diversified electricity supply and higher renewable generation. The 67 MWp plant fits squarely within that direction. In addition, it addresses a structural gap — reliable, affordable power for industrial consumers — that has long constrained private sector expansion.
Key milestones to watch include the completion of development studies, the finalisation of grid arrangements, and the securing of off-take agreements. Investors and industrial users should next track the financing structure and the date of financial close as the clearest indicators of project momentum.
Quick answers
It is a 67 MWp solar photovoltaic plant to be developed by Solarcentury Africa and Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation in Central Province, designed to supply large industrial users via the ZESCO transmission grid.
Solarcentury Africa will lead project development, design, financing and delivery. IDC has secured the site and completed initial technical studies under the agreed Heads of Terms.
Ministry of Energy data reported by PV Magazine put Zambia’s installed solar photovoltaic capacity at roughly 841 MW by mid-2026, including utility-scale projects from ZESCO, Copperbelt Energy Corporation and Solarcentury Africa.
