Chinese firm eyes 100MW solar power investment in Zambia

Chinese solar panel manufacturer LONGi Green Energy Technology Company has reportedly expressed interest in investing in Zambia’s renewable energy sector, with plans to develop a 100-megawatt (MW) solar power plant by December 2025.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday in Lusaka by Ministry of Energy Principal Public Relations Officer, Bob Sianjialika, the announcement was made during a courtesy call on Minister of Energy Peter Makozo Chikote by the company’s executives.

During the meeting, the firm is said to have requested government support in identifying a suitable site for the solar plant and facilitating partnerships with other solar firms that are facing project implementation challenges.

“LONGi is one of the strategic energy partners engaged by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema during his official visit to the People’s Republic of China in 2024,” Sianjialika said.

He added that the firm’s entry into Zambia’s energy market was expected to significantly advance the country’s clean energy goals and support long-term sustainability in power generation.

Welcoming the initiative, Minister Chikote reaffirmed government’s commitment to attracting strategic investments in the energy sector, particularly those that diversify the energy mix and expand generation capacity.

He emphasized that such projects aligned with Zambia’s national target of adding 1,000MW of new generation capacity to the electricity grid.

“We are determined to unlock Zambia’s energy investment potential by ensuring a predictable and supportive environment. The timely execution of such projects is vital to our national development agenda,” Chikote said.

To ensure smooth implementation, the Minister directed ZESCO and the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to actively engage with LONGi and facilitate the regulatory and operational processes required for the project.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.