Navitas Solar Expands Africa Presence with Zambia Project

In July 2026, Navitas Solar fixed a $20 million contract through its Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) arm, Navitas Planet, in order to develop a 54 MW utility-scale solar power project in Serenje Province. The project marks a significant step in Navitas Solar’s international expansion and strengthens its presence in Africa’s growing renewable energy market.

Under the contract, Navitas Planet is set to manage the complete project lifecycle, including Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning. The solar plant will use Navitas Solar’s bifacial TOPCon modules along with components that are supplied by leading global manufacturers. The company expects to complete the project within seven to eight months.

Once it is operational, the solar project is expected to generate clean, renewable electricity, reduce approximately 42,570 tons of carbon emissions annually, create local employment opportunities during construction, and support economic development and workforce skill enhancement. In addition to that, the project aligns with Zambia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, which targets a 47% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Zambia is accelerating investments in renewable energy to improve energy security and reduce its dependence on hydropower, which currently accounts for more than 80% of the country’s electricity generation. The Serenje Province project forms part of Zambia’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and the Presidential 1,000 MW Solar Initiative, both of which aim to diversify the national energy mix and strengthen grid resilience. 

This is Navitas Planet’s first utility-scale EPC project in Africa, making it a strategic foundation for the company’s future growth on the continent. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, as African nations continue to invest in reliable, affordable, and sustainable power infrastructure, Navitas Solar aims to expand its role in the region’s rapidly growing renewable energy sector.

Impact on the Energy and Power Market

Declining costs, favourable government policies, a growing investor base, and a national commitment to sustainability are some of the key factors that are propelling market growth. The impact of solar power on the energy industry is quite significant and complex, as it has changed the way energy is produced and used, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Solar energy projects have created jobs and increased income for local communities, especially in rural areas. 

The industry has also fueled growth in manufacturing and related sectors. This is because solar energy greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and protecting human health. It conserves water resources, which are becoming more limited in many areas. Solar energy offers a reliable and plentiful power source, decreasing reliance on imported fossil fuels and strengthening energy security. 

Impact on the Solar Energy Systems Market

The global solar energy systems market size accounted for USD 296.77 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach around USD 1,331.93 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 16.20% from 2025 to 2035.

According to Precedence Research, multiple governments are actively participating in programs and initiatives to boost the installation of solar energy systems in the industrial sector. Along with this, substantial support by governments in the form of subsidies and tax concessions acts as a growth factor for the market. Moreover, multiple players in the related field have started considering the solar power system business as a risk-free and affordable model of business. This factor also offers a significant growth factor for the market to grow.

Innovations in solar panel efficiencies and manufacturing methods are also continuing to lower costs for solar installations. These lower prices will further broaden the market of residential, commercial, and utility-scale consumers of solar energy, dramatically accelerating adoption rates around the globe. Technological advances in battery and energy storage systems allow solar systems to provide power when it is not sunny, increasing reliability and grid stability, making it a viable option as a primary energy source.

Impact on the Solar Energy Market

The global solar energy market size is calculated at USD 137.02 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 153.91 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 437.88 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 12.32% from 2025 to 2035.

According to Precedence Research, the market is driven by the initiative to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. This increases the demand for renewable energy sources, which are a clean energy option in recent years. Between 2025 and 2030, this market is expected to rise significantly due to the increasing demand for clean energy in developed nations, coupled with numerous government initiatives aimed at providing subsidies for adopting solar energy.

Numerous solar energy companies are actively entering this market, drawn by partnerships, R&D, and business expansions. Various market players, such as SunPower Corporation, First Solar, Inc., Enphase Energy, and others, have started investing rapidly in developing high-quality solar modules in different parts of the world. The rising public-private partnerships are leading towards advanced research for improving these technologies that help market growth. Rising technological advancements in solar panels are helping in increasing their efficiency, which stands out as a major growth factor of the solar energy market.

Expert Opinion 

Sunay Shah, Director of Navitas Solar, said the project represents a major milestone in Navitas Planet’s international growth strategy and highlights the increasing global demand for Indian renewable energy expertise.

“Zambia is actively diversifying its energy mix, creating strong opportunities for utility-scale solar development. Through this project, we aim to deliver reliable, high-quality clean energy infrastructure while building long-term partnerships that support Africa’s sustainable energy future,” Shah informed.