Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria has reached a landmark agreement with LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd., the world’s largest solar panel manufacturer, to establish a solar panel production factory in the country a move set to boost local manufacturing, renewable energy deployment, and job creation.
The partnership, facilitated by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) on behalf of the Federal Government, builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier this year in London between both parties.
Under the deal, LONGi a Chinese multinational recognised globally for its monocrystalline silicon solar technology will set up a 500 to 1,000-megawatt solar panel production facility in Nigeria. The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Solarisation Policy”, which aims to expand access to clean energy and accelerate the nation’s energy transition.
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In a social media post made a few days ago, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, disclosed that he led the Nigerian delegation to LONGi’s headquarters in Xi’an, China, to advance discussions on the project and tour the company’s state-of-the-art production facilities.
“Today, I led the Nigerian delegation to LONGi’s headquarters in Xi’an, where we toured one of the world’s largest solar cell production facilities,” Abdullahi wrote.
“We were warmly received by President Baoshen Zhong and Vice President Li Wenxue of LONGi. This visit builds on the MoU we signed earlier this year in London. We advanced discussions on establishing a 500–1,000 MW solar panel production factory in Nigeria an initiative with the potential to transform our renewable energy landscape.”
The ECN boss highlighted Africa’s growing demand for solar solutions and reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to clean energy under the Renewed Hope agenda.
“I highlighted Africa’s growing market for solar solutions and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Solarisation Policy, which seeks to expand access to clean energy nationwide,” he added.
“LONGi expressed strong interest in investing in Nigeria and readiness to proceed with concrete plans. This partnership marks a major step toward boosting local manufacturing, creating jobs, and strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.”
LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd., founded in 2000 and headquartered in Xi’an, is one of the world’s largest producers of solar wafers, cells, and modules. The company operates globally across more than 30 countries and has manufacturing bases in China, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
According to industry data, LONGi’s technology supports over a quarter of global solar installations, underscoring its role as a leader in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
The Energy Commission of Nigeria, under the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, is spearheading several renewable energy projects, including the Renewed Hope Solarisation Programme, which focuses on deploying solar mini-grids to schools, hospitals, and public institutions across Nigeria.
Energy experts say the proposed factory will significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported solar panels, lower costs for consumers, and strengthen domestic capacity for renewable energy production.
The partnership also positions Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s growing solar energy market, estimated to exceed $10 billion by 2030, as countries seek cleaner and more resilient power systems.
“This collaboration signals confidence in Nigeria’s renewable energy potential,” said an ECN official familiar with the discussions. “It is expected to drive industrial growth, enhance energy security, and promote sustainable development.”
The ECN says that once operational, the new factory will not only serve Nigeria but also supply solar modules to other African countries, making the nation a regional hub for renewable energy manufacturing.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
