Zambia Signs MoU with Chinese Firms to Boost Renewable Energy Capacity
The Zambian Government, through the Ministry of Energy, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Longi Solar Technology and Sino Green Technology to collaborate on the development and implementation of renewable energy projects across the country, signalling a major step forward in Zambia’s clean energy agenda.
The agreement includes the construction of a 100-megawatt (MW) pilot solar power plant in Itezhi-Tezhi District, set to commence in April 2026. Each solar facility developed under the partnership is expected to take eight to ten months to complete, with several additional solar plants planned across Zambia under the same framework.
The MoU was signed on behalf of the Zambian Government by Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary – Electricity, Engineer Arnold Simwaba, while Mr James Jin, President of Longi Solar for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, signed on behalf of the partnering companies.
Speaking at the ceremony, Eng. Simwaba urged Longi Solar and Sino Green Technology to expedite project implementation and to promptly notify the Government of any challenges.
He reiterated Zambia’s commitment to provide the necessary support to ensure smooth project execution.
Eng. Simwaba noted that the MoU builds on President Hakainde Hichilema’s official visit to China in 2025, which laid the groundwork for stronger cooperation between Zambia and Chinese firms in the renewable energy sector.
Mr Jin commended the Zambian Government for its efficiency in facilitating the project, emphasising the partners’ commitment to Zambia. He revealed that the companies aim to deliver a cumulative capacity of up to 1,000 MW of solar power under the agreement.
He further highlighted that in 2025, Zambia imported solar panels from China with a total capacity of 500 MW, of which 300 MW were manufactured by Longi Solar, underscoring the company’s significant contribution to Zambia’s renewable energy sector.
Longi Solar, recognised as a leading global manufacturer of solar equipment, is expected—together with Sino Green Technology and the Zambian Government—to significantly expand the country’s solar generation capacity, strengthen energy security, and support Zambia’s transition to sustainable and climate-resilient energy solutions.
