President Hakainde Hichilema has revealed that Zambia’s installed power generation capacity has risen from 3,777 megawatts in 2024 to 4,722.3 megawatts currently.

President Hichilema has also disclosed that solar installed capacity power has increased from 178 megawatts in 2024 to 1,027.5 megawatts today, surpassing the 2026 target of 1000 megawatts.

He has since called for intensified investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure, in order to support the Grow Zambia Agenda through the country’s target of generating 10 000 megawatts of electricity by 2031.

The Head of State said this in a speech read for him by Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, during the 2026 Energy Forum for Africa, in Lusaka, held under the theme, “Driving a Borderless Future for Africa”.

“This increase demonstrates the scale and speed of solar expansion and what can happen when policy direction, private investment, project development, financing and implementation come together”, he said.

President Hichilema noted that transmission and distribution infrastructure remain a weak link, stressing the need for increased investment in that area using platforms such as the EFFA.

The President further reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to a borderless energy future for Africa, where electricity flows across national borders to support shared prosperity.

At the same event Zambezi River Authority revealed that it has spearheaded initiatives with over 5000 megawatts renewable energy potential.

Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme Project Coordinator, Patrick Sipatela explained that these include the 2380 megawatt Devil’s Watch Hydroelectric Scheme

2400 megawatts Batoka Gorge Hydro-electric Scheme has advanced to procurement preparedness and market engagement stages and will contribute to a borderless energy future for the region and continent at large.

Source: https://www.lusakatimes.com/2026/10/07/zambias-installed-power-capacity-rises/