According to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), more than 3 GW (3,059 MW) of new power capacity should be commissioned in 2016 in Southern African countries, namely Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
At least three power projects totalling 1,624 MW, should be commissioned in South Africa, while 300 MW will be commissioned in Zambia and 780 MW in Angola (yet to be connected to the SAPP). The bulk of the projects (71%) is developed by Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Unlike previous years, coal-fired capacity won't have the largest share in new generation capacities, with only two projects totalling 390 MW. Renewable power projects are gaining momentum and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) expects to cover at least 32% of the regional power mix with renewables by 2020 (35% by 2030).