ARC Power And Kiyona Energy Launch $60 Million Solar Partnership To Strengthen Zambia’s Clean Energy Future

ARC Power and Kiyona Energy have entered into a new partnership to increase solar power generation in Zambia and support the country’s transition toward cleaner and more reliable energy. The agreement includes an initial investment of US$60 million and is expected to play an important role in strengthening Zambia’s electricity sector.

The partnership will be developed under the Framework Agreement for Utility Scale Electrification (FUSE), a commercial model created by ARC Power with support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The model is designed to attract private investment into large-scale energy projects across Africa while addressing common challenges such as limited financing options and weak electricity infrastructure.

The project aims to provide reliable, affordable, and clean electricity to households, businesses, and industries across Zambia. By adding utility-scale solar power to the national grid, the initiative is expected to improve the stability and resilience of the country’s power network. It will also help reduce dependence on costly and less sustainable energy sources, supporting long-term energy security.

A key feature of the project is its flexibility. The development can expand over time as electricity demand grows and as Zambia’s national grid continues to evolve. This approach allows the project to adapt to future energy requirements while ensuring that investments remain aligned with the country’s development goals.

The initiative also supports Zambia’s broader objectives of increasing renewable energy capacity and promoting sustainable economic growth. Greater access to reliable electricity is expected to benefit communities, encourage business development, and create opportunities for investment in the country’s green economy.

Karl Boyce, Chief Executive Officer of ARC Power, described the agreement as the beginning of a long-term partnership. He said that the FUSE model has been designed to scale rapidly, making it possible to expand access to clean electricity based on the practical needs of consumers and businesses. According to Boyce, the framework provides a pathway for accelerating energy access while ensuring projects remain commercially viable.

Kiyona Energy Limited, a subsidiary of ZESCO Limited, Zambia’s state-owned electricity utility, is focused on the development, financing, and operation of renewable energy projects. The company has a strong interest in utility-scale solar developments and sees the new partnership as an opportunity to strengthen national energy security, support economic growth, and attract strategic investments.

The collaboration marks an important step in Zambia’s renewable energy journey and highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships in expanding clean energy infrastructure across Africa.