ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH) has announced that the 100 MWac Maamba Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project in Zambia has entered its commissioning phase, marking the first injection of electricity from the facility into the country’s national grid on September 24, 2026.
The project is being developed by Maamba Solar Energy Limited (MSEL), a joint venture between ZCCM-IH and Nava Global PTE Limited. ZCCM-IH holds a 35% equity stake in MSEL, while Nava Global owns the remaining 65%. Nava Global is the international arm of India-listed Nava Limited.
Located in Maamba in Zambia’s Sinazongwe District, Southern Province, the utility-scale solar project has been developed alongside existing thermal power generation facilities. The project represents an investment of approximately US$90 million.
The solar plant uses bifacial photovoltaic modules mounted on single-axis tracking systems. The technology is designed to increase solar energy generation by allowing the modules to capture sunlight from both sides while the tracking system follows the movement of the sun.
The project also includes a dedicated 330 kV substation and associated grid-interconnection infrastructure. Electricity generated by the facility will be supplied to ZESCO Limited under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), providing a long-term framework for the sale of the project’s output.
The current commissioning phase involves testing and verification of the solar generation equipment and associated infrastructure. This includes the PV modules, tracking systems, inverters, collection networks, control systems, and grid connections.
Following the initial injection of electricity into the national grid, the project will undergo synchronization, further testing and reliability verification. Commercial operation will begin after the facility completes the required technical and regulatory processes.
ZCCM-IH Chief Executive Officer Kakenenwa Muyangwa said the project is strategically important for Zambia’s electricity sector. The addition of 100 MW of solar generation is expected to support the country’s energy security by diversifying the electricity mix and reducing reliance on hydropower.
The company said the project is particularly relevant amid concerns over the potential impact of El Niño-related conditions on hydropower generation. Zambia relies significantly on hydropower, making additional solar generation an important part of efforts to strengthen grid resilience.
The Maamba Solar PV Project also supports Zambia’s broader objective of increasing national electricity generation capacity to 10,000 MW.
ZCCM-IH said it will continue to provide updates to shareholders and the market as the project progresses through the remaining commissioning milestones toward full commercial operation.
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