A delegation from SGC Investment LLC, led by Shaikh Humaid Abdulla Essa Abdulaziz Almualla, a member of the ruling family of the Emirate of Umm Al Quain in the United Arab Emirates, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gift Sialubalo, to discuss potential investments in renewable energy, waste to energy and infrastructure development.
Discussions centred on a proposed 500-megawatt solar power project to be implemented across multiple locations in Zambia. The Minister said the proposed investment aligns with Governmentβs energy diversification and drought mitigation interventions following the 2024β2025 drought, which adversely affected power generation, water supply and livelihoods.
He noted that resources have been set aside under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to support resilience and development initiatives, adding that the proposed solar project could be integrated into existing programmes, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The Minister further highlighted solid waste management as a key urban challenge, especially in Lusaka, where waste-to-energy solutions present opportunities to address environmental risks while contributing to electricity generation and improved service delivery by local authorities.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Shaikh Essa Bin Abdullah Al Muala said the company is ready to move swiftly in advancing its proposed investments in Zambia, expressing confidence in the countryβs investment environment and commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships.
Earlier, SGC Investment LLC Chief Investment Officer Muhammad Omar Farooqi said the company is keen to partner with Zambia through foreign direct investment or public-private partnerships, with solar energy identified as the priority area for initial investment.
If concluded, the proposed 500-megawatt solar power project would rank among Zambiaβs largest private renewable energy investments, with potential spill over benefits in waste management, infrastructure development and enhanced local government service delivery.
