Energy ministry reportedly cuts solar project approval time to 48 hours to spur investment

The Ministry of Energy has reportedly slashed the approval period for solar project applications from over six months to just 48 hours, in a bold move aimed at accelerating private sector investment in Zambia’s renewable energy sector.

Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, said the reform aligned with the Presidential Directive to add 1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar energy to the national grid by the end of 2025.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, Chikote reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly environment to support solar energy growth.

“By reducing the approval period to 48 hours, the Government has eliminated the administrative delays that previously hindered project development,” he said.

Chikote noted that the streamlined process would allow investors to move faster and contribute to the accelerated expansion of solar power in Zambia.

He added that this initiative was part of the Ministry’s broader agenda to foster an enabling environment for renewable energy investment, enabling quicker project rollouts, faster economic returns, and improved energy access.

The Minister also urged local authorities and traditional leaders to support the initiative by availing land for solar projects, calling land access a critical component of infrastructure rollout.

“Grassroots collaboration is vital to ensure timely implementation and shared benefits for communities,” he said.

Chikote further stated that the Ministry is enhancing the investment climate through clear policy frameworks, simplified procedures, and bankable power purchase agreements (PPAs), making solar projects more commercially attractive.

He said the Ministry remained open to consultations and ready to offer technical support for proposals aimed at expanding electricity generation.

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“All stakeholders with innovative energy solutions are encouraged to engage with the Ministry and join efforts to strengthen the country’s energy security,” he said.

Chikote emphasized the critical role of the private sector in achieving the 1,000MW solar target and called on both local and international investors to take advantage of the reform.

He added that Zambia continued to face a significant electricity deficit, exacerbated by the severe drought of 2024, which exposed the country’s overdependence on hydropower.

“The impact on households and businesses has been substantial, underlining the urgent need to diversify energy sources. Accelerating solar investment is essential to meeting rising demand and building a more reliable, sustainable, and climate-resilient energy sector,” he said.

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