Every Dukinfield project is built on a foundation of genuine community partnership — delivering renewable energy and rural economic development together.
Dukinfield Energy believes that renewable energy development in Africa must generate meaningful, lasting benefit for the local communities in which it operates — not just for investors and offtakers.
Our ESG programme is not a box-ticking exercise. It is structured, contracted, and delivered through Agrismart Zambia Ltd, a Zambian non-governmental organisation that is formally contracted to develop and operate the community initiatives alongside each solar facility.
This approach provides investors with a robust ESG framework that meets international development finance standards, whilst creating a genuine social licence to operate that supports project stability and community goodwill over the long term.
A Zambian-registered NGO, Agrismart Zambia Ltd is contracted by Shibiyunji Solar Limited to deliver and manage all CSR and community development programmes. This separates the community function from the energy SPV — providing clarity, accountability and permanence of community commitment.
Each programme area is designed to create lasting economic and social value for Shibiyunji's local communities.
Rural farming & agri-business
Local industry & skills development
Social licence & governance
The Shibiyunji project was established in close partnership with His Royal Highness Senior Chief Shakumbila, the Traditional Authority for the Mububa Village area of Central Province. This partnership reflects Dukinfield's approach to genuine community engagement — from the earliest stages of project identification.
Chief Shakumbila provided a formal signed consent letter in February 2024, confirming full support for the project, the transfer of 101 hectares of land to support the solar development, and the offer of an additional 50 hectares for community and ESG programmes.
This Traditional Authority support reflects the trust built through Dukinfield's transparent approach to land agreements, community benefit sharing, and the decision to formally contract community programme delivery through a Zambian NGO (Agrismart Zambia Ltd) rather than embedding it informally in the project SPV.
"Following your letter of introduction and meeting with His Royal Highness Chief Shakumbila for the solar project in Shakumbila Area it is with great pleasure we wish to inform you that you shall receive our full support for this to advance in accordance with your wishes."
— Office of His Royal Highness Senior Chief Shakumbila
Chisalu Royal Palace, 17 February 2024
The Shibiyunji project delivers significant climate and environmental benefits alongside its community programmes.
Dukinfield's structured ESG programme positions Shibiyunji as a strong candidate for DFI, impact and ESG-mandated capital.
The community and environmental programme is structured to align with IFC Performance Standards and Equator Principles, supporting development finance institution financing.
The project contributes to SDG 7 (affordable clean energy), SDG 8 (decent work), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals) across its 25-year operating life.
Community programmes are contracted to an independent Zambian NGO, providing structural separation, transparent reporting, and long-term accountability beyond the project SPV.
Traditional Authority consent and formal community engagement provide a robust social licence to operate, reducing the risk of community opposition or disruption during construction and operations.
Dukinfield commits to transparent ESG reporting aligned with investor requirements, covering community programme outcomes, environmental performance and local economic contribution.
The Agrismart community programme model is designed to be replicated across all future Dukinfield projects, embedding ESG as a consistent feature of the platform — not a project-by-project afterthought.