By Mary Kasoka- Mwiikisa
Zambia’s largest vertically integrated agribusiness, Zambeef Products PLC, is breaking new ground in sustainable innovation with a pioneering renewable energy project at its Chisamba Huntley farm. By harnessing heat from waste-water, the company is redefining how agricultural operations can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and contribute to the country’s clean energy transition.
Launched in 2023, the pilot initiative, under the ReHEATZ project, brings together a coalition of partners, including the Irish Government through Irish Aid, the Embassy of Ireland in Zambia, SAIPAR, and the University of Dublin. The project aims to demonstrate how waste-heat recovery can be scaled into a commercially viable energy solution across multiple industries.
One of the standout achievements of the initiative is its strong local impact. Over 80% of materials and equipment used in the project have been sourced within Zambia, creating jobs and boosting local incomes.
The project recently received high-level attention during a visit by Irish Deputy Ambassador Vincent Mayer, alongside officials from the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, ZEMA, and SAIPAR. The delegation was hosted by Zambeef’s Executive for Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Ezekiel Sekele.
“Zambeef’s purpose is about feeding the nation, and energy is at the heart of that mission,” said Sekele. “Provision of reliable and sustainable energy supply to run farming operations is critical to supporting the country’s food security agenda.”
He added, “Investing in renewable energy is not just an option for us—it is a priority. We are proud to pioneer this innovative solution and excited about its potential to scale across Zambia.”
Deputy Ambassador Mayer commended the collaboration and the project’s tangible results.
“What we are seeing here is proof that innovation in renewable energy can be both practical and commercially viable,” he said. “This is not just a pilot—it is a model that can be replicated across sectors.”
He further urged broader participation from industry players: “We need more private sector actors to step forward. Manufacturing, mining, and even healthcare can benefit from this kind of sustainable energy investment.”
As Zambia continues to pursue a greener economic pathway, Zambeef’s waste-water heat recovery project stands as a compelling example of how partnerships, local empowerment, and forward-thinking innovation can drive lasting impact.