THE people of Mansa and the surrounding areas are ready to wave goodbye to darkness and endless blackouts as the US$48 million, 65-megawatt Luapula Solar Power Project races toward completion.
The massive solar plant, built by ZESCO Limited in partnership with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), sits proudly on a 50-hectare stretch of land, just five kilometres outside Mansa town, with thousands of shiny panels soaking up the Luapula sun.
Once switched on this December, the project will feed 50 megawatts of power into Zambia’s national grid, enough to light up between 15,000 and 20,000 homes and end power cuts for good in Mansa and surrounding districts.
Leading a team of officials and journalists on an inspection of the site, ZESCO Board Chairperson Vickson Ncube said the project is a turning point in the fight against the country’s energy deficit.
“Once this project is completed, Mansa and all the surrounding areas will say bye to load shedding,” declared Ncube, visibly excited by the progress on the ground.
The Luapula Solar Project is one of several clean energy projects under President Hakainde Hichilema’s push to diversify Zambia’s power sources and reduce dependence on hydropower, which has been strained by recurring droughts.
Though the arrival of some equipment was delayed due to elections in Tanzania, Ncube assured that the project remains on track for commissioning before the end of December.
So far, over 200 jobs have been created during the construction phase, with many locals gaining new skills in solar technology.
Nearby businesses have benefited too, supplying materials, food and transport services to the site.
Ncube further revealed that ZESCO is rolling out several other projects, including a partnership through its subsidiary Kiona, which will see 10,200 rooftop solar systems installed on homes across the country.
Story and pictures by George Musonda
Kalemba November 8, 2025
