Projects Development
MAY and Company Advises African Development Bank on Feasibility of Mozambique–Zambia Interconnector to Strengthen Regional Power Integration
MAY and Company is representing the African Development Bank Group (the “Client”), together with their German engineering consulting partner, Fichtner GmbH & Co. KG, in relation to the feasibility study for the proposed 380 km, 400kV Mozambique – Zambia interconnector transmission line (the “Project”). Our role includes preparing a legal environment report that identifies the relevant policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks governing the development and operation of transmission infrastructure in both Mozambique and Zambia. The Project is currently at feasibility stage and is intended to support the Client, as well as the governments of Mozambique and Zambia, in evaluating the viability of the interconnector and selecting the most effective investment and procurement models to achieve value for money. This transaction is of strategic regional importance as the governments of Mozambique and Zambia have committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation through the interconnection of their power systems. Mozambique possesses abundant and diversified generation potential across gas, coal, hydro, and renewable energy sources, while Zambia is currently experiencing power deficits, exacerbated by increasingly frequent droughts linked to climate change. The interconnector is expected to reduce regional imbalances between electricity supply and demand, enhance the reliability and resilience of power supply in Zambia, and unlock the potential for electricity trade within the Southern African Power Pool. The significance of this initiative has been underscored by high-level political support, including the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries—first in 2016, and most recently in March 2025 at the 12th edition of the Zambia International Mining & Energy Conference (ZIMEC 2025) in Kitwe.
MAY and Company is acting as local counsel for China Datang Overseas Investment Co Limited in the development of a 100MW greenfield PV solar project in the Southern Province of Zambia. China Datang Corporation is a Fortune 500 company. It ranks among the largest companies in China and globally, primarily due to its significant role in the energy sector. The project will cover 150 hectares and connect to a 220kV substation. MAY and Company’s role includes: • Preparing a Legal Environment Report on Zambia’s regulatory framework for electricity, including solar power, foreign investment, permits, land acquisition, and environmental compliance. • Incorporating a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) as the Client’s subsidiary. • Reviewing the Shareholders Agreement and advising on Zambian law, especially on investor participation. • Reviewing, modifying, and negotiating project documents, including agreements for power purchase, land lease, and grid connection. • Reviewing and providing feedback on the EPC contract from a Zambian law perspective. This project is significant as it will help address Zambia’s energy crisis by providing a reliable and sustainable power source, reducing reliance on hydropower. The project will also contribute to economic growth by ensuring a stable power supply and diversifying Zambia’s energy mix. USD 200,000,000. Yes, Zambia and China. Lead partner: Harriet Mdala. Other team members: Mark Chomba. Other firms: Tian Yuan Law Firm. Ongoing. https://www.bing.com/search?q=china+da+tang+investment+in+zambia&cvid=e979be6bef424329bc5d6e030fc1f1b3&gs_lcrp=EgRlZGdlKgYIABBFGDkyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQABhAMgYIAhAAGEDSAQg2MDk2ajBqNKgCCLACAQ&FORM=ANAB01&PC=HCTS
