Longi Solar, Sino Green commit 1GW to Zambia’s national solar rollout

100 MW pilot plant in Itezhi-Tezhi to start construction in April.

Chinese firms Longi Solar Technology and Sino Green Technology have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Zambian Government to develop up to 1,000 megawatts (1 GW) of solar power across the country.

The agreement includes a 100 MW pilot solar plant in Itezhi-Tezhi District, scheduled to start construction in April 2026.

Each solar facility is expected to take eight to ten months to complete, with additional plants planned nationwide.

The MoU was signed by Engineer Arnold Simwaba, permanent secretary for electricity at the Ministry of Energy, and James Jin, president of Longi Solar for the Middle East and North Africa region.

Speaking at the ceremony, Simwaba urged the companies to accelerate project implementation and assured them of the government’s full support.

He noted that the MoU follows President Hakainde Hichilema’s 2025 visit to China, which strengthened cooperation between Zambia and Chinese renewable energy firms.

Jin praised Zambia’s efficiency in facilitating the projects and reaffirmed the companies’ commitment to delivering a cumulative 1 GW of solar capacity.

He also highlighted that Zambia imported 500 MW of Chinese solar panels in 2025, with 300 MW manufactured by Longi Solar, showing the company’s growing contribution to the country’s energy sector.