LocationsShining a Light on Zambia’s Future: Cooma Solar Power Project Breaks Ground with UNDP Support
May 12, 2025
The Choma MP and Information & Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa, Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote cutting the ribbon during the Cooma ground breaking ceremony
Choma District, Zambia – In a key step toward strengthening Zambia’s energy resilience, construction has officially begun on the Cooma Solar Project. Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the 60 MW solar facility will provide clean, renewable electricity to over 65,000 households and businesses — offering an urgently needed alternative amid one of the country’s most severe droughts in recent history.
With hydropower supplying approximately 84 percent of Zambia’s electricity, prolonged droughts have exposed the country’s vulnerability to climate change. Even before the current crisis, more than half the population lacked access to electricity. The Cooma Solar Project directly responds to this challenge by reducing dependence on water-intensive power sources.
Developed by Zambian energy firm GEI Power in partnership with Turkey’s YEO Teknoloji Enerji ve Endustri, the project was formally launched in a groundbreaking ceremony attended by the Honourable Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, and other key stakeholders.
“This project brings not only clean power but also opportunities for employment, skills transfer, and local development. I have been reliably informed that this project will create more than 150 direct jobs and 1,467 indirect jobs during and after construction.” — Honourable Makozo Chikote noted.
UNDP, through its UNDP Rome Centre and in collaboration with the UNDP Zambia Country Office, has been instrumental in advancing the Cooma Solar Project to implementation. The project was initially identified through UNDP’s Energy for Growth in Africa (E4G) initiative and is now benefiting from specialized assistance under the Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance (PISTA).
Through PISTA, UNDP is providing transaction advisory services, support in upgrading the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), and development of a Gender Action Plan (GAP). These measures have been essential to helping the project meet investor due diligence requirements.
"Let me assure all stakeholders here present that the Ministry of Energy remains committed to supporting private sector initiatives that supplement government efforts in the development of energy infrastructure. We will continue to work diligently to create an enabling environment for innovation, investment, and sustainability." - Honourable Chikote highlighted.
As construction progresses, local communities are expressing hope that the project will deliver long-term socio-economic benefits, including job creation and skills development.
Community leaders have echoed these expectations, underscoring the importance of inclusive participation throughout the project’s lifecycle.
With construction underway, the Cooma Solar Project will continue to receive technical and transaction support from UNDP and PISTA. The next phase will focus on achieving financial close, completing grid connection agreements, and ensuring local benefits are fully realized during construction and operation.
About E4G and PISTA
Energy for Growth in Africa (E4G) and the Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance (PISTA) are flagship initiatives led by UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition, in collaboration with UNDP Country Offices across Africa. The E4G initiative identifies and supports high-impact clean energy projects aligned with national development priorities and helps to build country-led investment pipelines across the continent. PISTA supports climate-impactful infrastructure projects by helping developers meet bankability standards and attract financing. Through a hands-on approach, the programmes strengthen national capacity and enable private sector-driven climate solutions to move from vision to reality.
Learn more about these and other UNDP Rome Centre initiatives here: LinkedIn, Instagram, X
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