Recently, the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and China’s LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. formally signed a significant solar cooperation agreement. Facilitated by Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, Head of the ECN, this agreement marks Nigeria’s entry into a new phase of localized manufacturing and large-scale adoption in clean energy development, injecting fresh momentum into the exploitation of Africa’s solar resources.
A delegation from the Energy Commission of Nigeria made a special visit to LONGi’s global headquarters in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. They held high-level talks with the company’s management and conducted an on-site inspection of LONGi’s world-leading solar cell production base. By closely observing the R&D and manufacturing processes of high-efficiency PV modules, the delegation gained a comprehensive understanding of LONGi’s technological strength and innovation capabilities. It is worth noting that the two parties had already laid a solid foundation for this formal cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding in London earlier this year.
According to the agreement, LONGi will support Nigeria in establishing a solar panel factory with a production capacity of 500-1000 MW. This project will not only significantly enhance Nigeria’s local PV equipment manufacturing capacity but also create a substantial number of green jobs. Furthermore, it is expected to attract international capital to participate in Africa’s clean energy market development, thereby strengthening the local renewable energy industrial chain. Dr. Mustapha emphasized during the talks that the African continent possesses abundant solar resources. With the rising demand for solar microgrids in rural areas, this cooperation will effectively help bridge the regional energy supply gap.
The Energy Commission of Nigeria specifically highlighted that this collaboration aligns closely with the “Renewed Hope Solar Power Project” initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As a core initiative of the country’s energy strategy, the project aims to address nationwide electricity access issues through the widespread adoption of clean energy solutions, thereby improving public welfare and promoting sustainable economic development. The partnership with LONGi is seen as a crucial step in implementing this national strategy, accelerating the deployment and application of solar technology across both urban and rural areas of Nigeria.
