Zambia has launched a call for proposals for solar PV projects with a total capacity of up to 300 MW, under the Carbon Feed-In Premium (CFIP) programme (Zambia’s Ministry of Energy, 01/04/2026). The government is inviting applications to the CFIP programme from local and international Independent Power Producers (IPPs), the national power utility ZESCO and its subsidiaries, as well as other interested stakeholders. The application deadline is 31 May 2026.
The CFIP programme is a results-based crediting mechanism aimed at accelerating Zambia’s transition to renewable energy. The initial technology window is focused on solar PV energy. To qualify for the current call, a solar PV project must have a planned installed capacity ranging from 30 MW to 100 MW and must include an on-site battery energy storage system with a minimum duration of 30 minutes. At least 50% of the electricity generated must be sold to ZESCO or its subsidiaries.
This announcement follows the recent signing of a power purchase agreement (PPA) between China’s DZGM Energy Resources and Zambia’s state-owned ZESCO for the development of a 100 MW hybrid wind and solar project (KEI, 02/04/2026).
In Zambia, the power system still relies heavily on hydropower, which accounts for more than 80% of electricity generation, according to data from the National Energy Compact for Zambia.