India’s solar power group eyes Zambia

companies has announced

AN Indian group of

plans to build a 100

the company was greatly skilled in executing off-grid and ongrid projects for the open access market but would also endeavor to supply some solar energy to government.

megawatts solar power station in Zambia.

Group chairman Krishnakumar Agrawal said the project would cost Agrawal, a group of companies from India’s Goa State, US$ 5 million.

Mr Agrawal said it could take the company as long as six months to undertake registration and other legal process needed to operate in Zambia.

Mr Agrawal said the company was greatly skilled in executing off-grid and on-grid projects for the open access market but would also endeavor to supply some solar energy to government. Mr Agrawal made the announcement when Zambia’s High Commissioner to India, Judith Kapijimpanga, toured the solar manufacturing company in Goa, situated about 2000km from the Indian capital, New Delhi.

“The project will result in job creation and skills transfer to Zambians, especially youths. The company was founded in 1950 and runs a 60 megawatts solar panel manufacturing facility in Goa,” Mr Agrawal said.

And Ms Kapijimpanga has welcomed Mr Agrawal’s interest in setting up business in Zambia. Ms Kapijimpanga said the mission recorded three companies setting up in Zambia in the first quarter of 2019, among them Prasad Seeds, Vagmi Cottons and OM Rollers and Smelters, with a combined investment worth of over US$ 100 million. “Zambia has eight months of continuous sunshine, progressive banking system and a strong legal framework that supports private sector investment,” said Ms Kapijimpanga assured Mr Agrawal.