• Solarcentury has launched the first 25 MW phase of the Mailo solar project.

• Electricity is now sold on the Southern African Power Pool without a PPA.

• The plant is set to reach 118 MW, with 500 MW more planned across the region.

UK-based Solarcentury Africa has commissioned the first 25 MW phase of its Mailo solar power plant in Zambia, the company announced on July 30. The electricity generated is now being traded on the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), marking the region’s first merchant solar project.

Unlike most utility-scale solar plants in Africa, Mailo operates without a long-term power purchase agreement or sovereign guarantees. Instead, it relies on selling power directly into the regional grid, providing greater flexibility and access to multiple buyers.

The project was developed in under a year in Chitambo District and spans 204 hectares. It is expected to reach a total capacity of 118 MW once all three phases are complete. Construction on the second phase, which will raise capacity to 60 MW, is already underway, supported by a $40 million loan from Standard Bank South Africa.

Mailo represents a key milestone for Zambia’s energy diversification efforts, as the country remains heavily reliant on hydropower. The project also strengthens regional energy integration under the SAPP, which brings together 12 southern African countries.

Solarcentury plans to replicate the model across southern Africa and aims to deploy over 500 MW of similar merchant solar projects by 2030.