On July 21, Ambassador Mr. Du Xiaohui accompanied H.E. President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema to visit the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Project (KGL).

After visiting the project, Ambassador Du Xiaohui attended the celebration event and delivered a speech stating that, the success of the KGL marks “three sustainabilities”. The first is sustainability of debt. The efforts of both sides to put KGL into production creating considerable income out of power generation ensure that the construction continues without being affected by debt. On the other hand, the project also provides a model for bilateral friendly negotiation to solve the debt problem. The second is sustainability of development. Once the project is completed, KGL will increase the total installed capacity of power generation in Zambia by 38%, which will make this project the most powerful engine for the Zambian economy. The third is sustainability of environment. After the establishment of KGL, it is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 663,500 tons per year, which will contribute to green development of Zambia's economy and help Zambia cope with climate change and energy crisis. 

Ambassador Du said, the relevant departments of China and Zambia are making effort to implement consensuses of the phone conversation between H.E. President Mr. Xi Jinping and H.E. President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, which is reflected in the “four supports”. The first is to support the Zambian goverment’s plan to produce 3 million tons of copper annually within ten years. For this, China will further strengthen mutual cooperation with Zambia in mining, electricity, transportation access, and consumer market. The second is to support the Zambian side to solve debt problems. KGL is a typical case in this regard. Chinese constructors are dedicated to building a monument with passion and sacrifice, which demonstrates that debt will not hinder China-Zambia cooperation. The third is to support the agricultural development of Zambia. China will actively implement the initiative of the International Cooperation on Global Food Security and take the signing of two protocols as an opportunity to continue to strengthen cooperation with Zambia in the field of agriculture, and jointly promote food security in Africa. The fourth is to support Zambia’s capacity building. During the construction of KGL, Sino Hydro established the Training Institute, which provided free education and training for the Zambian residents, and has delivered a total of 332 skilled talents to other construction projects here in Zambia.

H.E. President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema delivered a keynote speech, thanking President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their support to Zambia. This project is a milestone in Zambia-China cooperation and is of great significance for Zambia to improve its power supply capacity and achieve energy self-sufficiency. Since the start of the project, the Chinese construction company has overcome the difficulties, especially the COVID-19, to ensure the continuous progress of the project, fully demonstrating the all-weather friendship between Zambia and China.

After the celebration, under the witness of H.E. President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, Ambassador Mr. Du Xiaohui and Hon. Minister of Agriculture Mr. Reuben Phiri Mtolo signed the two protocols for the export of stevia and soybean meal to China.

KGL is located on the Kafue River, about 90 kilometers south of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, which is being constructed by Sino Hydro. KGL has a total installed capacity of 750MW with five generators. After the completion of KGL, the installed capacity in Zambia will be greatly improved. At present, 4 generators have been connected to the grid for power generation, and the Unit 5 generator is under installation.