Zambia has secured a $1.5 billion China-backed energy deal to add 900 megawatts to its power capacity, marking a major step toward stabilizing its electricity supply. Prolonged droughts have crippled the country’s hydropower-dependent grid, forcing frequent load-shedding that hurts mining, manufacturing, and daily life. The deal will fund three 300-megawatt projects blending solar, wind, and coal-fired thermal power. This hybrid approach balances renewable expansion with reliable baseload energy, ensuring reliable power supply even during drought conditions. Beyond strengthening Zambia’s energy sector and stabilizing local businesses, the move positions the country as a future electricity exporter to the wider Southern African region.
Business Insider Africa
