Zambia signs $1.5 billion deal with China Machinery Engineering Corporation to develop 900MW power mix and boost electricity output
Zambia has secured a US$1.5 billion investment in its energy sector following an agreement between the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and China Machinery Engineering Corporation, aimed at expanding national electricity generation capacity.
The project will deliver a diversified 900-megawatt (MW) power portfolio comprising three equal components: a 300MW coal-fired thermal plant, a 300MW solar facility, and a 300MW wind energy project.
ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa described the investment as a key milestone in Zambia’s plan to increase installed generation capacity to 10,000MW by 2031.
He said the project reflects growing investor confidence in Zambia’s energy sector and supports broader economic reforms aimed at strengthening long-term growth.
Halwampa added that rising regional electricity demand presents Zambia with an opportunity to become a net power exporter while accelerating industrial development.
Zambia’s Ambassador to China, Ivan Zyuulu, said the agreement demonstrates deepening economic cooperation between Zambia and China, noting strong investor confidence in the country’s investment climate.
The China Machinery Engineering Corporation confirmed plans to visit Zambia in June 2026 to conduct feasibility studies, stating that it has the financial and technical capacity to develop all three power plants concurrently.
The Zambia Development Agency and the Zambian Embassy in Beijing are currently conducting a joint investment promotion mission in China to attract large-scale infrastructure investment and position Zambia as a key regional energy hub.
