Zambia Launches 300MW Solar PV Tender Through CFIP Scheme

Why It Matters

The tender accelerates Zambia’s transition to reliable, low‑carbon power while creating a clear revenue model for investors, strengthening the country’s role in the emerging East African power market.

Key Takeaways

• 300 MW solar PV tender launched under Zambia’s CFIP scheme
• Projects must include 30‑minute battery storage, 30‑100 MW capacity
• Half of output must be sold to state utility ZESCO
• Deadline for proposals is 31 May 2026, two‑month preparation
• Successful bids receive standardized CFIP contracts via ZANACO

Pulse Analysis

Zambia’s ambition to decarbonise its electricity system has taken a concrete step with the launch of a 300 MW solar photovoltaic tender under the Carbon Feed‑In Premium (CFIP) programme. The scheme, introduced by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment together with the Ministry of Energy, offers a premium price for clean power that meets strict eligibility criteria, aiming to attract both domestic and foreign developers. By tying the incentive to on‑site battery storage, the government signals a shift toward more reliable, dispatchable renewable generation, a crucial factor as the country deepens its ties to the East African Power Pool through the revived Zambia‑Tanzania interconnector.

The tender stipulates projects between 30 MW and 100 MW, each equipped with at least a 30‑minute battery energy storage system, and requires that at least 50 % of the electricity be sold to the state utility ZESCO. Applicants have a two‑month window, ending 31 May 2026, after which a CFIP Steering Committee will screen proposals before they undergo NACA Fund due diligence. Successful developers will receive a standardized contract from ZANACO, the CFIP fund manager, which locks in the premium price and payment terms, reducing commercial risk and encouraging private‑sector participation.

Beyond the immediate capacity boost, the solar‑plus‑storage projects are expected to enhance grid stability and lower dependence on costly diesel generators. The initiative dovetails with Zambia’s broader strategy to integrate its grid with neighboring markets, leveraging the Tanzania interconnector to export surplus renewable energy and import power when needed. For investors, the clear contractual framework and government‑backed premium create a more predictable revenue stream, potentially unlocking financing from international development banks. If fully subscribed, the CFIP tender could set a template for other African nations seeking to scale clean energy with storage.