By: ESI Africa

The Zambia Army has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kiyona Energy and state utility ZESCO to develop three solar energy projects on military land, underscoring the nexus between renewable energy and national security. The agreement allocates army-owned land for a 30 MW solar plant, a 4 MW system for water pumping and residential supply, and a 5 MW facility under the Green Cities Initiative.

At the signing ceremony, Army Commander Lieutenant-General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele emphasized that reliable, uninterrupted electricity is critical for safeguarding the country, stating the military is opening pathways for similar projects across all its cantonments. ZESCO Managing Director Justin Loongo described the partnership as a strategic alignment of national priorities, enhancing energy security, climate resilience, and the modernization of critical infrastructure. The military will benefit from reduced grid dependence for mission-critical operations while supporting Zambia’s climate commitments.

This initiative is part of Zambia's broader push to address its electricity deficit by rapidly scaling up solar capacity. The country aims to deploy 1,000 MW of solar power to reduce its historical over-reliance on climate-vulnerable hydropower, pursuing this target through public-private partnerships, utility-led procurement, and independent power producer projects.