Indian solar companies turn to Africa as Gujarat-based Navitas Solar enters EPC market with Zambia project

Lusaka, Zambia – In a significant boost to Zambia's renewable energy ambitions, Surat-based Navitas Solar, an Indian firm, has officially entered the African Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) market with a substantial project in Serenje Province. Through its EPC arm, Navitas Planet, the company has secured a $20 million contract to develop a 54-megawatt (MW) utility-scale solar power plant, a move that underscores the growing interest of Indian renewable energy companies in the African continent. This development is particularly timely for Zambia, which is actively seeking to reduce its heavy reliance on hydropower, a sector increasingly vulnerable to climate change-induced droughts that have historically led to severe power deficits. The project, situated in Zambia's Serenje Province, represents Navitas Planet's inaugural utility-scale EPC assignment in Africa. It will involve the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of the solar facility, which is slated for completion within an ambitious timeframe of seven to eight months. The plant will utilise Navitas Solar's advanced bifacial TOPCon modules, with other components sourced from leading global manufacturers, ensuring a blend of cutting-edge technology and international standards. This strategic investment is not merely about power generation; it is also projected to create local employment opportunities during its construction phase and, once operational, significantly reduce carbon emissions by approximately 42,570 tonnes annually. Zambia's drive towards a diversified energy portfolio has gained considerable momentum in recent years, propelled by the urgent need to address energy security and resilience. The country's power generation has historically been dominated by hydroelectric plants, accounting for over 80% of its installed capacity. However, recurrent droughts, such as the severe one in 2024, have exposed the fragility of this dependence, leading to widespread electr