The Zambian Government, through the Ministry of Energy, has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Longi Solar Technology and Sino Green Technology for cooperation in the implementation and development of renewable energy projects across the country, marking a major boost to Zambia’s clean energy drive.
Under the agreement, a 100 megawatt (MW) pilot solar power plant will be commenced in April 2026 in Itezhi-Tezhi District. Each solar plant to be developed under the partnership is expected to take between eight and ten months to complete.
Several other solar plants will also be constructed across the country under the agreed framework.
The MoU was signed on behalf of the Government by the 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 signing ceremony, Eng. Simwaba encouraged Longi Solar and Sino Green Technology to expedite the implementation and construction of the projects once they commence, and urged the partners to promptly inform Government should they face any challenges during implementation.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to providing the necessary support to ensure smooth project execution.
He noted that the signing of the MoU follows President Hakainde Hichilema’s official visit to China in 2025, which laid the foundation for enhanced cooperation between Zambia and Chinese firms in the renewable energy sector.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jin commended the Zambian Government for its efficiency in facilitating the implementation of the project so far. He reaffirmed the partners’ commitment to Zambia, revealing that the companies plan to deliver a cumulative capacity of up to 1,000 MW of solar power under the agreement.
Mr. Jin further disclosed 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, highlighting the company’s significant contribution to Zambia’s renewable energy sector.
Longi Solar is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of solar equipment, and the partnership with Sino Green Technology and the Zambian Government is expected to significantly enhance Zambia’s solar generation capacity, strengthen energy security, and support the country’s transition to sustainable and climate-resilient energy solutions.
