Energy
Counsel to International Investor on 100MW Greenfield Solar Project in Zambia
Our team advised an international investor in the energy sector on the development of a 100MW greenfield solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Zambia’s Southern Province, spanning approximately 150 hectares. We prepared a legal environment report, established the project SPV, and reviewed all key project and transaction documents. The project has yet to reach financial close, primarily due to challenges in securing bankability where a state utility is the offtaker—particularly amid Zambia’s ongoing debt restructuring and related IMF/FCDO commitments. Despite these hurdles, the government continues to support efforts to close the transaction. This marks the investor’s strategic entry into Zambia’s renewable energy market, aligning with the country’s ambition to diversify its energy mix and attract foreign investment into the sector.
We advised a foreign development agency on a programme to develop Zambia’s fast-track procurement framework for renewable energy. Our role included developing bankable risk allocation models in implementation and government support agreements, as well as drafting standard procurement templates such as RFQs and RFPs. This initiative responds to Zambia’s severe power deficit and aims to shorten the procurement lifecycle for grid-connected projects, boost investor confidence, and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy.
