PPDF capital markets working group calls for Solar Trust

By Masauso Mkwayaya

The Capital Markets Sub-Technical Working Group under the Public Private Dialogue Forum -PPDF- has called for the introduction of Solar Real Estate Investment Trusts -REITs.

The Trusts should specialize in owning and operating renewable energy assets, particularly solar energy infrastructure.

Speaking during the Public Private Sector Forum -PPDF-  Private Sector Day in Lusaka, Group Co-Chairperson MATEPA CHINGA’AMBU said this mechanism will pave the way for increased investments in renewable energy to address the country’s electricity deficit.

He said the Solar REITs model has the potential to attract investments of 10 million U.S. dollars from local investors, 75 million from pension funds, and 120 million from foreign investors.

And, Mr. CHINGA’AMBU has called for the listing of State-Owned Enterprises on capital markets to enable citizens to acquire stakes in the entities.

Representing the agriculture sector working group, PETER MCKENZIE has called for  the adoption of conservation agriculture to boost crop yields.

And  Ministry of Finance Assistant Director, Public Private Partnership Unit, COLLINS MUDENDA, said the Government has enacted a new ACT that mandates 10 percent subcontracting of local companies on PPP projects.

Mr. MUDENDA reveals that nine projects under concession agreements are currently being implemented in Zambia, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals -SDGs.