NEWS

Solarcentury Africa announced that the second phase of its Mailo solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Zambia, known as Mailo 2, has commenced full commercial operations. This marks another milestone in the phased development of the planned 118 MWp Mailo solar PV project.

The achievement follows the completion of construction and successful grid-compliance testing. Mailo 2 contributes an additional 34.5 MWp of solar generation capacity, increasing the site's total operational capacity to 59.5 MWp.

The second phase received equity investment from Solarcentury Africa's parent company, BB Energy, while Standard Bank South Africa provided debt financing. Alensy Energy Solutions was appointed as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor. Construction was completed in less than 12 months.

The first phase of the Mailo solar plant has been operational since July 2025, selling electricity on a merchant basis through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). This demonstrates the commercial viability of merchant-based solar generation in Zambia.

The additional generation capacity is expected to contribute to Zambia's electricity supply, improve energy security and support economic growth and the country's energy-transition objectives. Mailo is part of Solarcentury Africa's wider portfolio of 350 MW of solar projects under operation, construction and development in Zambia.