Zambia has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two Chinese companies in a move aimed at boosting the country’s renewable energy capacity and easing persistent power shortages.
The agreements, concluded at State House on Wednesday, outline plans for solar projects expected to generate up to 1,000 megawatts.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote signed the MoUs on behalf of the Zambian government, while James Jin, president of LONGi Green Energy’s Middle East and North Africa division, and Shi Tao, chairman of Golden Sun under China Pingmei Shenma Holding Group, represented their respective firms.
The partnerships are intended to accelerate investment and cooperation in large‑scale renewable energy development.
The deal comes as Zambia continues to grapple with an unstable power supply driven by low water levels at major hydropower stations, which provide the bulk of the country’s electricity.
In recent years, drought conditions have forced the national utility to implement load‑shedding, prompting the government to prioritise diversification into solar and other renewable sources.
Officials say the new agreements mark a significant step toward expanding generation capacity, reducing reliance on hydropower and strengthening energy security.
The projects are expected to support both industrial growth and household access to electricity as Zambia works to stabilise its grid and meet rising demand.
JN/APA