From Off-Grid to On-the-Rise: The Chikwa Transformation

Kambani Phiri
Monday, February 16, 2026

For years, the people of Chikwa lived beyond the reach of the national power grid, with no plans for connection in sight. This isolation didn't just mean dark nights; it meant stalled progress in clinics, limited hours for students, and stifled economic growth.

That changed when World Vision US introduced the integrated WASH and Energy Project. By harnessing the Zambian sun, we didn't just install lights—we ignited a massive shift across every pillar of community life:

  • Health: Clinics now operate around the clock with refrigerated vaccines and powered medical equipment, ensuring a higher standard of care for mothers and children.
  • Education: Schools are no longer bound by daylight. Solar-powered classrooms and digital tools are giving Chikwa’s youth the same competitive edge as their urban peers.
  • Wealth: For residents like Margret, solar energy is an economic engine. It has unlocked new livelihoods, from solar-powered irrigation to small-scale enterprises, allowing families to build lasting financial security.