As Navitas Planet builds a 54 MW solar facility in Africa, the Navitas Zambia Solar Project bolsters India's renewable energy presence.

The Navitas Zambia solar project marks a significant step in the Indian renewable energy company's international expansion, with Gujarat-based Navitas Solar securing USD 20 million Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for a 54 MW utility-scale solar power plant in Zambia's Serenje Province. Executed through its EPC arm, Navitas Planet, the project represents the company's first utility-scale EPC assignment in Africa.

The solar facility will feature Navitas Solar's bifacial TOPCon modules and is expected to be completed within seven to eight months, supporting Zambia's renewable energy ambitions while strengthening India's growing role in global clean energy infrastructure.

Key Highlights

  • Secures USD 20 million utility-scale EPC contract in Zambia.

  • Developing a 54 MW solar power project successfully.

  • First African utility-scale EPC project for Navitas Planet.

  • Plant will feature advanced bifacial TOPCon solar modules.

  • Commissioning expected within seven to eight months.

Navitas Planet enters Africa with landmark EPC project

Under the EPC agreement, Navitas Planet will oversee the complete execution of the project, including engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of the utility-scale solar power plant. The development represents a milestone in the company's overseas growth strategy as it expands beyond the Indian market into Africa's rapidly growing renewable energy sector.

The project will integrate bifacial TOPCon modules manufactured by Navitas Solar alongside critical equipment sourced from leading international suppliers. According to the company, the execution timeline is expected to span approximately seven to eight months, enabling the plant to begin contributing clean electricity to Zambia's power network within the planned schedule.

Commenting on the achievement, Sunay Shah, Director of Navitas Solar, stated that the contract reflects the increasing global demand for Indian renewable energy expertise. He noted that Zambia's efforts to diversify its energy mix present strong opportunities for large-scale solar development while enabling long-term partnerships that support Africa's sustainable energy future.

Zambia accelerates renewable energy diversification

The Zambia renewable energy strategy continues to gain momentum as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on hydropower, which currently generates more than 80% of its electricity. Frequent climate-related droughts have highlighted the need for a more diversified energy mix, making utility-scale solar investments increasingly important for long-term energy security.

The latest utility-scale solar project also complements earlier Indian investments in Zambia. Recently, IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Ltd. (IGGEFIL) sanctioned a USD 22.5 million loan to Swarna Solar Limited for developing a 100 MW photovoltaic solar power plant in Serenje District. The financing marked one of IGGEFIL's first international initiatives, reinforcing India's expanding role in global green financing.

Additionally, the Navitas Zambia solar project aligns with Zambia's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and the Presidential 1,000 MW Solar Initiative, both designed to diversify electricity generation and improve grid resilience. The investment also supports Zambia's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, targeting a 47% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

As Africa continues expanding renewable energy infrastructure, projects such as this strengthen collaboration between Indian clean energy companies and emerging international markets while contributing to economic and environmental sustainable development.

Thus, Business Fortune is of the view that the Navitas Zambia solar project reinforces India's renewable leadership while advancing Africa's clean energy transition through strategic partnerships.

FAQs

What is the Navitas Zambia solar project?

It is a USD 20 million EPC contract awarded to Navitas Planet to develop a 54 MW utility-scale solar power plant in Zambia's Serenje Province.

Why is this project significant for Navitas Solar?

It marks Navitas Planet's first utility-scale EPC project in Africa, expanding the company's international renewable energy footprint.

What technology will be used in the project?

The solar plant will utilize Navitas Solar's bifacial TOPCon modules along with components from leading global manufacturers.

Why is Zambia investing in more solar energy?

Zambia aims to reduce its dependence on hydropower, improve energy security, and strengthen grid resilience against climate-related droughts.

When is the project expected to be completed?

The company expects the project to be commissioned within an execution period of approximately seven to eight months.