Zambia is accelerating efforts to stabilise its national grid and meet rising electricity demand following the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with two Chinese companies.
The agreements were finalised on Wednesday at State House, outlining plans for solar energy 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 move is aimed at boosting the country’s renewable energy capacity, easing persistent power shortages, and accelerating investment and cooperation in large-scale renewable energy development.
Officials say the agreements mark a significant step towards expanding electricity generation capacity, reducing reliance on hydropower, and strengthening national energy security.
The deal comes at a critical time as Zambia continues to grapple with unstable electricity supply due to low water levels at major hydropower stations, which provide the bulk of the country’s power.
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 energy sources.
The projects are expected to support both industrial growth and improved household access to electricity.
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