ZEMA Approves 350mw Wind Energy Facility In Katete District

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has approved the proposed 350 MW Unika I and II Wind Energy Facility by Mphepo Power Limited in Chief M’bangombe’s Chiefdom, Katete District, Eastern Province.

In a statement, Agency Manager Corporate Affairs Ruth Kanyanga Kamwi said the approval was made by the Environmental Assessment Committee of the 6th ZEMA Board at its ordinary sitting held on 24th September 2026.

Ms. Kamwi added that the Unika wind facility will consist of 42 wind turbines, an on-site substation, and associated 330 kV overhead transmission lines and infrastructure required to evacuate power to the national grid.

She mentioned that once operational, the facility will generate clean, renewable energy and help diversify the country’s energy mix away from hydropower. Notably, the Chewa people, under the leadership of Paramount Chief Kalonga Gawa Undi, own 10% of Mphepo Power Limited through the Chewa Development Trust.

The project exemplifies how environmental stewardship and traditional leadership can work together to advance Zambia’s green economy.

The Committee examined 113 projects in six sectors and approved 100 of them. The 100 approved projects comprised 25 in energy, 43 in Mining and Mineral Processing, 14 in Manufacturing and Processing, 11 in Infrastructure Development, 4 in Agriculture and Forestry, and 3 in Tourism. Five projects were deferred and eight were rejected.

ZEMA remains resolute in ensuring that all approved projects adhere to the requirements outlined in the decision letters issued to developers, and will closely monitor compliance in accordance with the Environmental Management Act.