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At first glance, all is well. Zambia’s immense water bodies are propelling major hydropower plants to meet the nation’s electricity needs in a clean and renewable way. For many years, the country's electrical energy has been generated thanks to water flows from the mighty Zambezi, Kafue, Luangwa, and Chambishi Rivers.

However, the southern African country is now reconsidering its long-time dependence on hydropower, as chronic droughts cut production at its massive hydro dams. These droughts - caused by climate change - have in recent years lowered water levels, severely curtailing power production. Zambia has as a result seen electricity shortages estimated at around one-third of its total installed hydroelectric capacity. In 2019, water levels in the Kariba dam - one of the country’s key manmade dams - plunged to their lowest yet, falling to 10% of usable storage since 1996.

“This is probably the worst drought that has hit Zambia since independence in 1964,” Energy Minister Matthew Nkhuwa recently told parliament.

Chronic electricity shortages have affected everyone, from individuals to small businesses and huge corporations.

In addition to unpredictable weather patterns, a lack of investment in hydro projects has also caused complications. Even if rain does fall, power supply simply cannot keep up with demand from the mining, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors.

Zambia’s over-dependence on hydropower is unsustainable. Energy experts have argued that as droughts lead to prolonged blackouts, the country ought to be developing other renewable fuel sources, such as solar and wind energy.

The Zambezi River.

In an effort to diversify its energy sources, Zambia is entering agreements with corporations looking to invest in its energy sector. Recently, the country signed an agreement with the IFC to develop two large-scale solar projects. Only a few weeks ago, Zambia’s state-owned electricity provider signed a contract with Power China to develop three solar power plants to feed into its national grid.

Less attention has been paid to wind energy, but several promising projects are underway. Construction of a 200MW wind power project in Katete, Eastern Province is expected to start in 2021. This is the first phase of the larger Unika 1 wind project and will be financed by private investors.

These impending improvements are good news for Zambia’s citizens. Chronic electricity shortages have affected everyone, from individuals to small businesses and huge corporations.

“These projects are badly needed and long overdue. Look! For me to make it in this sector, I need electricity to refrigerate my milk products and the rolling power blackouts have wrecked Zambia’s already fragile economy,” says Pamela Kabwe, a dairy farmer based in the Chisamba area.

The hope is that solar energy will contribute not just to a climate-resilient Zambia, but to a low-carbon continent.

“My business is down due to lack of electricity,” says Christine Chembe, the operator of a hair salon in the capital city of Lusaka. “The government should prepare adequately to invest in other renewable energies instead of always depending on hydropower from the Kariba dam, year in and year out.”

Local markets, shops, and chain stores are flooded with various solar appliances – from water pumps and radio sets to phone chargers and lights – as people try to take the problem of blackouts into their own hands. For David Chibuye, an entrepreneur at Kamwala market in Lusaka, business is booming. Ever since the power blackouts started, he tells me, he has been selling more solar-powered equipment. “I never used to have clients like these days. Nowadays, the demand for solar-related products has gone up here and, given more capital, I will make more money.”

But this is just the beginning. Zambia has an average of 2,000-3,000 hours of sunshine per year, waiting to be turned into energy. The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that renewable energy capacity in Africa could reach 310GW by 2030, putting the continent at the forefront of renewable energy generation globally. When its larger solar energy projects are finished, both Zambia's natural environment and its citizens will benefit hugely.

Solar power looks set to be the answer.

As it stands, only 4% of Zambia’s rural population has access to electricity. Mable Katongo, a pupil at a rural school in the Kaoma district of Western Zambia, talks to me about the issues she has studying late at night without electricity. “With examinations around the corner, it hasn’t been easy to study using kerosene lamps. They produce toxic fumes that are a danger to one’s health. But what can I do?”

Solar and wind power plants will decentralize power; they can be connected to micro-grids and supply currently underserved communities, like Mable’s. The solar power systems in action already are a testament to just how big an impact this will have on these communities.

Dennis Kandala of Salanga in Zambia’s Mumbwa district cannot believe how much his life has improved. After years of unreliable electricity, his village invested in solar lighting equipment, solar-powered boreholes and other equally efficient agricultural equipment.

“Solar energy is indeed the way to go. Look! It has improved my life after enduring years of living without electricity at my farm,” says Dennis with a huge smile.

Zambia’s Rural Electrification Authority is working towards providing electricity infrastructure to all rural areas in Zambia. Quality of life will greatly improve with increased production of and access to electricity. So far, the Authority has built over 400 standalone systems. Its first Solar Mini-Grid, completed in 2013, provides electricity for nearly 500 households, a school, a health center, and a harbor. Many more are on their way.

The hope is that solar energy will contribute not just to a climate-resilient Zambia, but to a low-carbon continent. The possibilities for infrastructure, agriculture, and the management of natural resources are very promising indeed.

“I never thought this would happen during my lifetime, and that I could have electricity in my house,” says Dennis, “I assumed perhaps this was going to happen during my great-grandchildren’s time.”

Derrick Silimina is a multi-award-winning freelance journalist based in Lusaka, Zambia. He focuses on Zambian agriculture and sustainability issues. In 2018, he won ‘Best Newspaper Feature Story’ at the Agriculture and Commercial Society of Zambia Media Awards.