LUSAKA February 2026: Zambia’s Ministry of Energy has signed an Implementation Agreement with Goldenray Energy Limited for the development of a 118 MWp solar power plant in Sinazongwe District, Southern Province.
The deal represents a significant step in Zambia’s renewable energy expansion and its broader efforts to improve national energy security.
The agreement was signed by Permanent Secretary – Electricity, Eng. Arnold Simwaba, representing the government, while Goldenray Energy CEO Ajit Kumar Mishra signed on behalf of the company. Goldenray Energy is incorporated in Zambia and backed by a major investment fund from Dubai, highlighting growing international interest in African solar infrastructure.
A 118 MWp (megawatt-peak) solar project is considered utility-scale, meaning it generates enough electricity to power tens of thousands of households and contributes meaningfully to the national grid.
Utility-scale solar projects are distinct from smaller rooftop or community systems in several ways:
- Size & output: Typically 10 MW and above, capable of feeding directly into national transmission networks.
- Investment & financing: Requires multi-million-dollar investments, often combining equity, debt, and international funding.
- Grid integration: Designed to strengthen national energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
For Zambia, the Sinazongwe solar plant is expected to begin supplying electricity by early 2027, adding much-needed capacity to meet growing demand and diversify the energy mix.
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Zambia has steadily increased its focus on solar energy, aiming to balance its historically hydro-dependent power system. Key considerations include:
- Grid stability: Hydropower can be vulnerable to seasonal droughts; solar provides complementary generation.
- Private sector involvement: Partnerships with companies like Goldenray Energy attract international capital and technical expertise.
- Regional context: Neighboring countries, including Tanzania, South Africa, and Kenya, have also expanded utility-scale solar projects in the past decade, creating a competitive and collaborative energy environment in Southern and East Africa.
Goldenray Energy’s backing by a Dubai-based investment fund underscores the global appetite for African renewable projects. For investors, these projects offer:
- Long-term revenue from Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with national utilities
- Exposure to high-growth energy markets
- Impact opportunities in sustainable development
For Zambia, foreign investment accelerates project delivery and ensures access to modern technology and project finance structures, critical for utility-scale solar success.
The Sinazongwe 118 MW solar plant is expected to:
- Increase Zambia’s installed renewable energy capacity significantly
- Strengthen national energy security
- Provide a foundation for future solar-plus-storage projects
- Support the government’s targets for clean energy adoption
Once operational, this plant will join a growing list of utility-scale solar projects in Southern Africa, signaling a clear regional shift toward renewable energy leadership.
By Thuita Gatero, Managing Editor, Africa Digest News. He specializes in conversations around data centers, AI, cloud infrastructure, and energy.
