Zambia: President Hichilema Urges Regional Energy Cooperation To Fast-Track Economic Growth

Michael Creg Afful
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Zambia: President Hichilema Urges Regional Energy Cooperation To Fast-Track Economic Growth

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has called for stronger regional cooperation and coordination in energy management to accelerate economic growth across Africa.

He stressed that energy security must be treated as a shared regional priority rather than an isolated national concern, noting that interconnected power systems, harmonised policies and joint planning would boost industrialisation, trade and investment across the continent.

Addressing participants at the Continental Energy and Infrastructure Investment Forum (CEIIF) in Zambia, President Hichilema said collaboration among neighbouring countries would help mitigate future energy shocks and build more resilient economies.

He outlined key reforms implemented by his administration in the energy sector, stating that these interventions had been crucial in addressing longstanding challenges in electricity supply and governance.

The President highlighted the adoption of Open Access to the national grid and the introduction of a single licensing framework as major milestones that have reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks and improved transparency.

According to him, the reforms have created a more predictable and investor-friendly environment while strengthening regulatory oversight and enhancing market efficiency.

President Hichilema (3rd right) poses for a photograph with dignitaries at the event.

He noted that, as a direct result of these regulatory changes, Zambia now has Independent Power Traders operating in the market alongside an expanding number of Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

President Hichilema explained that this evolving market structure has diversified power sources, promoted competition and improved supply reliability for both households and industries.

He acknowledged that his government had taken tough and sometimes unpopular decisions to address the recent energy crisis, emphasising that failure to act would have posed serious risks to Zambia’s economic stability.

Looking ahead, the President revealed Zambia’s ambition to expand national power generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts, including 3,000 megawatts from coal.

He described this as a balanced energy strategy that combines renewable sources with baseload power to support industrial growth and economic transformation.

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to regional partnership, innovation and sustainable energy development as pillars for long-term prosperity.

 

 

Nigeria Hands Over Africa Energy Bank Headquarters To APPO And Afreximbank

Michael Creg Afful
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Nigeria Hands Over Africa Energy Bank Headquarters To APPO And Afreximbank
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer and host of the new continental energy bank, has formally handed over the fully furnished headquarters of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) to the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) and Afreximbank. The ceremony, held Monday in Abuja, marks a major step toward unlocking sustainable financing for oil and gas projects across the continent. The event was led by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, alongside APPO President and Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, senior APPO officials, and representatives of Afreximbank. The AEB headquarters is located on the third floor of the newly built Afreximbank African Trade Centre in Abuja’s Central Area. Lokpobiri said the handover fulfilled Nigeria’s obligations as host country and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the bank becomes operational by June 2026. “Nigeria has met all our commitments. The last was delivering this headquarters, which is fully furnished and paid for,” he said. He explained that after reviewing multiple options, the government settled on a facility he described as “fit-for-purpose”. The minister added that earlier delays affecting the bank’s launch had been resolved, emphasizing AEB’s strategic importance in addressing Africa’s energy financing gap. “Africa’s biggest challenge is finance. The Global North is using finance as a weapon against the developing South, telling us to halt the exploitation of our resources,” he said. He noted that global attitudes toward fossil fuels are shifting, citing the International Energy Agency’s recent acknowledgement that the world will require up to $700 billion in fossil fuel investment annually for the next 25 years. Lokpobiri stressed that fossil fuels would remain central to Africa’s energy mix for decades and that the bank was created to support the continent’s 18 member countries through exploration, production, and infrastructure development. He outlined next steps, including shareholder meetings, board and management appointments, and staff recruitment. APPO President Sangafowa-Coulibaly commended Nigeria’s leadership and described the handover as a “critical milestone”, reaffirming APPO’s commitment to launch the bank “no later than June this year”. APPO Secretary-General Farid Ghezali said the bank would play a vital role in mobilising capital for resource development, praising Afreximbank’s partnership as key to the institution’s credibility. The Africa Energy Bank—an APPO–Afreximbank initiative—is expected to finance upstream, midstream and downstream projects, strengthen energy security, and help African nations monetise hydrocarbon resources responsibly. Nigeria was selected as host after a competitive bidding process and pledged to provide the headquarters and other support commitments.

Ghana: OSP Recovers GH¢8.5 Million From Fuel Diversion

Michael Creg Afful
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Ghana: OSP Recovers GH¢8.5 Million From Fuel Diversion
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Ghana’s anti-corruption authority, has recovered GH¢8,518,233.00 linked to the diversion of petroleum products. According to the OSP’s Half-Year Investigative Report covering July–December 2025, the recovered amount represents proceeds traced to oil marketing companies (OMCs) allegedly involved in redirecting fuel consignments contrary to approved distribution routes. Fuel diversion typically occurs when an OMC lifts petroleum products from an authorized depot to supply at a designated location but illegally discharges the product elsewhere and still proceeds to claim subsidies or account for the original delivery. The practice leads to significant revenue losses to the state and distorts fuel distribution records. The report also highlighted suspected diversions involving marine gas oil and gas oil lifted between 2023 and 2024 by several OMCs. Companies cited in the report include Big Energy, Energetic Petroleum, Goodness Energy, Jet Petroleum, Kabore Oil, La Clem Ghana, Maxx Energy, Moari Oil Company, and N3. Others mentioned are Naagami Ghana Limited, Onxyma Company, Petro Sankofa, Plus Energy, Quantum Petroleum, Sotei Energy, and West Port Petroleum. Fuel diversion has been a recurring challenge in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector. The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has, in previous years, warned that the illegal practice undermines tax collection, affects fuel pricing integrity, and creates artificial shortages. The OSP’s involvement forms part of broader national efforts to curb corruption, strengthen monitoring of petroleum distribution, and recover state funds lost through fraudulent industry practices. The downstream sector—responsible for the marketing, distribution, and sale of petroleum products—remains critical to Ghana’s economy, making diversion cases a significant governance concern.  

South Africa: Former Eskom Contract Worker Jailed For 35 Years For Tampering And Theft At Camden Power Station

Michael Creg Afful
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South Africa: Former Eskom Contract Worker Jailed For 35 Years For Tampering And Theft At Camden Power Station
A former Eskom contract worker, Simeon Majaonke Shongwe, has been sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment by the Ermelo District Court for tampering with essential infrastructure and theft that caused damages exceeding R22 million and disrupted operations at Camden Power Station, a designated National Key Point, in November 2022. The court imposed 20 years’ imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure and 15 years for theft, with the sentences to run concurrently. Shongwe is therefore expected to serve 20 years behind bars. Eskom welcomed the ruling, describing it as a decisive milestone in its ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities targeting South Africa’s electricity system. The utility stressed that tampering with essential infrastructure and theft constitute direct attacks on the stability of electricity supply to millions of citizens and will attract severe consequences. Commenting on the judgment, Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said: “This sentence is a decisive warning. Tampering with Eskom’s infrastructure and theft will be met with uncompromising justice. Eskom is continually improving its governance structures and investigative capabilities to ensure that anyone who threatens South Africa’s electricity supply faces swift and severe consequences. Eskom, in ongoing collaboration with the South African Police Service and national security structures, will continue to protect our power stations and safeguard the nation’s energy future.” Eskom has consolidated its forensic, security, and investigative functions into the newly formed Group Investigations and Security Division, which reports directly to the Group Chief Executive. Through collaboration with the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee, Eskom continues to facilitate swift action against fraud and corruption, safeguard its assets, and maintain public trust. The utility further commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their relentless efforts and effective collaboration in bringing offenders to justice, as well as the support provided by the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee.

Mozambique: AfDB Approves $150M For Coral North Floating LNG Project

Michael Creg Afful
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Mozambique: AfDB Approves $150M For Coral North Floating LNG Project
The African Development Bank has approved a $150 million loan to support the development of the Coral North Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Project, a transformative energy infrastructure initiative located offshore Mozambique. The Coral North FLNG Project will develop, construct, and operate a floating LNG facility with an annual capacity of 3.55 million metric tonnes, situated approximately 55 kilometres off the coast of northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province. The project is led by Eni S.p.A., a global energy company with extensive LNG expertise, and is expected to cost more than $7 billion. In addition to the African Development Bank Group, financing will be provided by other development finance institutions, export credit agencies, and commercial lenders. Coral North is expected to generate more than $20 billion in fiscal revenues over its lifetime. Beyond significantly boosting Mozambique’s economy, it will create substantial short-term and long-term job opportunities in both construction and operations. The project commits to dedicating a portion of LNG production to clean cooking access, domestic industrial development, gas exports to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, and the development of gas-to-power projects, which will enhance the region’s energy security and resilience. The project will also increase Africa’s contribution to—and benefits from—the rising global demand for LNG, while strengthening Mozambique’s position as a key player in the SADC energy market. Coral North FLNG represents a landmark development in Africa’s energy transition. Building on previous LNG investments in Mozambique, it further positions the country as a global LNG supplier while delivering significant socio-economic benefits, including job creation, fiscal revenues, and enhanced energy security. The African Development Bank’s support underscores its commitment to energy security, climate-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable industrialisation across the continent.

Ghana: GOIL Maintains Petrol Price At GHS 9.99 And Offers Diesel Discounts Across 200 Outlets To Support Vulnerable Ghanaians

Michael Creg Afful
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Ghana: GOIL Maintains Petrol Price At GHS 9.99 And Offers Diesel Discounts Across 200 Outlets To Support Vulnerable Ghanaians
GOIL PLC, one of Ghana’s largest indigenous oil marketing companies, has announced a further targeted pricing intervention by matching the regulator-approved floor price of GHS 9.99 per litre for petrol (PMS) and offering discounted diesel (AGO) prices across 200 selected GOIL outlets nationwide. As a result of this intervention, a litre of petrol (RON 91) is being sold at GHS 9.99 across the 200 discounted stations, while the same product goes for GHS 10.99 per litre at non-discounted stations. Diesel prices have increased from GHS 11.96 per litre to GHS 12.55 per litre; however, the discounted stations are retailing diesel at GHS 11.90 per litre. For the first pricing window, which began on February 1, 2026, the regulator increased the petrol price floor from GHS 9.80 per litre to GHS 9.99 per litre, while the diesel price floor rose from GHS 10.47 to GHS 10.95 per litre. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is now priced at GHS 9.05 per kilogramme. According to a statement issued by the Corporate Affairs Department of GOIL PLC, the initiative is deliberately designed to protect vulnerable segments of society—particularly commercial drivers, public transport operators, farmers, traders, and low-income households—who are most affected by rising transport and food costs. The company noted that the selected outlets are strategically located along major transport corridors and near commercial vehicle terminals to ensure that the relief is felt in areas where economic pressures are highest. “At a time when prevailing market indicators suggest that fuel prices should ordinarily be trending upwards, GOIL’s decision to match the regulated floor price and discount diesel reflects its commitment to cushioning customers from cost pressures while remaining fully compliant with regulatory guidelines,” the company said. GOIL indicated that credible price relief must be practical, transparent, and deliverable. Its intervention demonstrates that meaningful reductions begin with pricing at or below approved benchmarks—not merely public commentary. By aligning its prices with the NPA floor and extending further relief on diesel, GOIL continues to set the standard for responsible competition in the downstream petroleum sector. The company emphasised that these prices are being delivered without compromising fuel quality. GOIL’s products continue to meet and exceed regulatory specifications and are enhanced with advanced performance additives, ensuring engine efficiency, durability, and superior value for money. As Ghana’s indigenous and trusted national oil marketing company, GOIL reaffirmed its commitment to balancing commercial sustainability with socio-economic responsibility, especially during periods of economic adjustment. This intervention is expected to help stabilise transport fares, reduce the cost of transporting food from farms to markets, and moderate prices of essential goods. GOIL PLC encouraged motorists and transport operators to take advantage of the reduced prices at the designated stations as the company continues to deliver on its promise of quality, reliability, and competitive pricing. The company added that it remains steadfast in its mission to provide “Good Energy”—energy that is affordable, dependable, and impactful—to power Ghana’s growth and support the everyday lives of its people.  

Ghana: Only 6.2% Of Low-Income Electricity Consumers In Accra And Central Regions Benefit From Lifeline Tariff – Report

Peter Adofo Asante
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Ghana: Only 6.2% Of Low-Income Electricity Consumers In Accra And Central Regions Benefit From Lifeline Tariff – Report

A recent International Growth Centre (IGC)-funded study by the GIMPA–PURC Centre of Excellence in Public Utilities Regulation (CEPUR) has found that only a small share of households actually benefit from the lifeline electricity tariff, with beneficiaries unevenly spread across Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) districts and largely concentrated in low-income communities.

The research, titled “The Lifeline Electricity Tariff Classification Policy in Ghana: A Hit or Miss!”, was carried out in the Greater Accra and Central Regions and supported by the International Growth Centre, an organisation focused on economic policy research. The survey sampled 1,098 households across the two regions. However, the findings showed that only 6.2% of low-income households—those whose electricity consumption falls within the lifeline bracket of zero (0) to 30 kWh—reflecting a poor  targeting of the policy in the West African nation. The findings were presented by Professor Philip Kofi Adom, the lead researcher, at a stakeholder engagement in Accra on Thursday, January 30, 2026. Lifeline electricity tariffs provide subsidised power to low-income residential consumers, defined in Ghana as households that consume between zero and 30 kilowatt-hours per month. The report recommended fixing “targeting linkages” for beneficiaries and addressing exclusion errors through improved metering systems. It also proposed introducing micro-consumption bands such as 0–30 kWh and 30–35 kWh to reduce sharp increases in bills that were “driving bunching and conservation through deprivation.” Additionally, the report suggested automatic, time-limited rebates for repeat “near-miss” customers to protect near-poor and larger households that narrowly exceed the consumption threshold. Other recommendations included enforcing the one-household-one-meter policy to address shared meters and implementing intensive, district-specific public education campaigns to improve understanding of the lifeline tariff system. Dr. Ishmael Ackah, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, said the Ministry remained committed to ensuring reliable and affordable electricity. He noted that cost-effective tariffs were necessary to curb illegal connections, stressing that energy remained an anchor for integrating other sectors of the economy for national development. Professor Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, Rector of GIMPA, described electricity as the engine of development, emphasising that both households and industry depended heavily on it. He urged the government to design systems that ensured easy and affordable access to electricity, noting that many citizens spent a significant portion of their income on utilities. Participants at the event called for broader stakeholder engagement to clarify eligibility criteria for lifeline tariffs, pointing out that the policy—intended to benefit poor households—is often accessed by wealthier ones.

Mozambique: TotalEnergies Restarts $20 Billion LNG Project In Mozambique After 5-Year Freeze

Michael Creg Afful
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Mozambique: TotalEnergies Restarts $20 Billion LNG Project In Mozambique After 5-Year Freeze
French energy giant TotalEnergies has restarted construction of a $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique after being forced to pause operations indefinitely due to escalating violence in the region, according to Al Jazeera. The project was relaunched during a ceremony near the construction site in Afungi, located in the gas-rich Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique’s northeast, attended by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Pouyanne, and Mozambique’s President, Daniel Chapo. This project, considered one of the largest LNG developments on the African continent, was suspended in 2021 as Mozambique, supported by regional forces, battled to contain ISIL-linked fighting that has claimed more than 6,400 lives in the past eight years, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED). It is expected to produce more than 13 million tonnes of LNG annually and is anticipated to commence operations in 2029, potentially generating as much as $35 billion for government coffers over its lifetime from taxes, oil profits, and other contributions, according to President Chapo, as cited by Reuters. Pouyanne stated that the project would bring “significant economic benefits” to the country, including the creation of up to 7,000 direct jobs for Mozambicans during construction, with contracts awarded to local companies expected to exceed $4 billion. Security is reported to have improved in Cabo Delgado, particularly with the deployment of Rwandan soldiers around the Afungi construction site. However, the delays have incurred significant costs, prompting the project’s stakeholders to renegotiate terms. Environmental and human rights groups have condemned the development, arguing it will provide little benefit to Mozambicans, over 80 percent of whom lived below the poverty line of $3 per day in 2022, according to World Bank data. The campaign group Friends of the Earth has described the project as “a carbon time bomb with huge climate impacts,” alleging that it has also become a focal point for human rights abuses, including “killings, beheadings, and entire communities fleeing the Cabo Delgado region.” TotalEnergies is facing two legal proceedings in France, including a manslaughter investigation, after survivors and relatives of victims of the 2021 attack accused the company of failing to protect its subcontractors. The company is also subject to a complaint for “complicity in war crimes, torture, and enforced disappearance,” filed by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), a German NGO, with France’s national “anti-terrorism” prosecutor. “The oil and gas major is accused of having directly financed and materially supported the Joint Task Force, composed of Mozambican armed forces, which between July and September 2021, allegedly detained, tortured, and killed dozens of civilians on TotalEnergies’ gas site,” stated ECCHR last month. TotalEnergies has rejected all accusations.

Ghana: ECG To Deploy Franchise Officers Across Operational Areas To Improve Service Delivery Starting February

Michael Creg Afful
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Ghana: ECG To Deploy Franchise Officers Across Operational Areas To Improve Service Delivery Starting February
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced plans to deploy franchise officers across all its district operational areas, beginning February 2026. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery. According to a public notice issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, the deployment is part of a franchise initiative designed to bring services closer to customers and strengthen revenue assurance. The franchise officers will be responsible for reading postpaid meters, checking the integrity of prepaid meters, distributing postpaid bills, and printing bills on the spot using handheld devices. Additionally, these officers will assist customers in making payments through the ECG Power App or by using the shortcode *226#, emphasizing that cash payments will not be accepted. Moreover, franchise officers will disconnect customers whose accounts are in arrears and report any form of illegality to the appropriate authorities for action. ECG advised customers to verify the identity of franchise officers by requesting their official ID cards and signed authorization letters, which will include contact numbers for the respective district offices as proof of their assignment.  

TotalEnergies To Supply 800 Gigawatt-Hours Of Renewable Power To SWM Under New Agreement

Michael Creg Afful
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TotalEnergies To Supply 800 Gigawatt-Hours Of Renewable Power To SWM Under New Agreement
French multinational energy company TotalEnergies has signed a 10-year agreement to supply paper manufacturer SWM with 800 gigawatt-hours of renewable electricity for its three sites in France. The contract forms part of TotalEnergies’ strategy to expand its integrated power business, which combines renewable generation and gas-fired electricity to deliver reliable, round-the-clock supply to industrial customers. “This agreement secures half of our French electricity needs from renewable sources for the next decade, a decisive step toward our commitment to significantly reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2033,” said Giuliano Scilio, Vice President and CIO at SWM. TotalEnergies has recently signed similar long-term renewable power deals with Google, Saint-Gobain, Air Liquide, Amazon, Microsoft and Orange, as it targets annual electricity production growth of around 20% to reach 100 terawatt-hours by 2030.  

Nigeria: Geregu Plc Names Sean Manley Interim CEO

Michael Creg Afful
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Nigeria: Geregu Plc Names Sean Manley Interim CEO
Nigeria-based Geregu Power Plc has appointed Mr. Sean Manley as its Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective 2 February 2026, Punchng.com has reported, citing a notice filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday. The appointment is subject to the approval of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission as well as the company’s shareholders at the next general meeting. Manley brings more than 30 years of experience in the power sector, with a strong track record in sales, business development, project implementation, supply-chain management, and original equipment manufacturer–led delivery. He also has extensive experience in thermal power generation, including plant construction, commissioning, major overhauls and long-term operational support. “The Board of Geregu Power Plc hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public of the appointment of Mr. Sean Manley as the Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective 2 February 2026, subject to the approval of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the shareholders of the Company at the next general meeting,” the statement partly reads. During his career at Siemens, Manley gained deep technical and operational expertise, managing complex energy projects across multiple jurisdictions. He is recognised for delivering projects in challenging operating environments, as well as his strength in stakeholder management, business development, logistics and procurement analysis. The Geregu Power Board welcomed Manley, saying his appointment is expected to bring significant value to the company through his extensive international experience and leadership in the energy sector. The appointment forms part of the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership and enhance operational oversight in Nigeria’s power generation sector.

Zambia, Norway Seal Landmark Carbon Deal To Unlock Green Energy Investment

Michael Creg Afful
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Zambia, Norway Seal Landmark Carbon Deal To Unlock Green Energy Investment
Zambia and Norway have signed a Mitigation Outcome Purchase Agreement (MOPA) under the Carbon Feed-in Premium (CFIP) programme, marking a major step toward unlocking private sector investment in renewable energy and strengthening the country’s energy security while supporting global climate action. The agreement was signed on Wednesday, 2 January 2026, at the InterContinental Hotel in Lusaka under the two countries’ bilateral Article 6 cooperation framework, which was concluded during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024. The partnership is expected to enable the addition of up to 300 megawatts of green electricity to Zambia’s national grid and reduce up to 3.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions over a ten-year period. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha said the agreement comes at a critical time as Zambia seeks to diversify its energy mix away from over-reliance on hydropower in the face of climate change. He said the CFIP programme will incentivise Independent Power Producers to invest in clean energy by providing a carbon-based top-up payment linked to verified emission reductions, known as Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). Mposha noted that the programme will improve project viability, enhance energy security and reduce emissions while contributing to Zambia’s sustainable development goals. He added that the selection of eligible project developers will begin on 1 April 2026 through a transparent process. Permanent Secretary for Electricity at the Ministry of Energy, Arnold Simwaba—through remarks delivered by Director of Planning and Information Sineva Kambeja—said energy-based carbon trading strengthens project bankability, accelerates renewable energy deployment and enhances grid reliability. Simwaba said the CFIP programme aligns with the Ministry of Energy’s mandate to ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply, positioning Zambia at the forefront of Article 6 cooperation in Africa. He described the initiative as a strategic investment in the country’s energy infrastructure and green growth agenda. Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen said Norway was pleased to deepen cooperation with Zambia to support measurable emission reductions and increased clean energy investment. “Partnerships like this can help accelerate the green transition while maintaining high standards of transparency and integrity,” he said. Fenella Aouane, Managing Director and Head of Carbon Finance at GGGI, said the agreement will support renewable energy projects in Zambia, including storage capacity additions to improve reliability, under the national Carbon Feed-in Premium Programme. “This is our second historic moment,” she added. The cooperation is supported by the Norwegian Global Emission Reduction (NOGER) Initiative through the Norwegian Article 6 Climate Action (NACA) Fund, hosted under the Global Green Growth Institute’s Carbon Transition Facility. Under the agreement, GGGI will act on behalf of Norway, while Zambia National Commercial Bank will aggregate and sell carbon credits on behalf of participating project developers.  

Zambia Inks 1,000MW Solar Power Deal With Chinese Firms

Michael Creg Afful
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Zambia Inks 1,000MW Solar Power Deal With Chinese Firms
Zambia has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese firms—China Pingmei Shenma Holding Group Company Limited and LONGi Green Energy Technology Company Limited—to collaborate on the development and implementation of large-scale renewable energy projects in the country, with a strong focus on solar power. The signing ceremony, witnessed by President Hakainde Hichilema, was held at State House. Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote signed on behalf of the Zambian government, while LONGi Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region President James Jin and Golden Sun Chairman Shi Tao signed for their respective companies. The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation on renewable energy projects nationwide and paves the way for investments of up to 1,000 megawatts of solar power. This marks a major milestone in Zambia’s energy sector and its efforts to diversify the national energy mix. The agreement is a direct outcome of President Hichilema’s State visit to China in 2025, during which he met with several investors and invited them to invest in Zambia’s energy sector. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance energy security, promote sustainable development, and attract foreign direct investment into critical sectors of the economy. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation led by LONGi Founder Li Zhenguo at State House, President Hichilema described the agreement as a positive development for Zambia and a reflection of the growing, mutually beneficial relationship between Zambia and China. He emphasized that the planned renewable energy investments underscore the continued partnership and shared commitment of both countries to advancing sustainable development. President Hichilema also expressed appreciation to Chinese President Xi Jinping for his visionary leadership and efforts in fostering international cooperation that supports long-term development opportunities. LONGi Founder Li Zhenguo said he was impressed by Zambia’s social stability, public safety, and the overall well-being of its citizens, describing these factors as making the country an attractive destination for long-term investment. Meanwhile, Minister Chikote said the MoU represents a significant boost to Zambia’s renewable energy ambitions. He noted that the agreement will play a pivotal role in expanding electricity generation capacity through clean and sustainable sources, while supporting economic growth, job creation, and climate resilience. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for investors and accelerating the implementation of renewable energy projects. The 1,000MW solar energy initiative is expected to significantly enhance Zambia’s energy mix, improve electricity access across the country, and contribute to reducing carbon emissions, in line with the nation’s green growth and climate action objectives.    

Ghana: Fire Service Averts Potential Fuel Tanker Explosion At Nsawam Okanta

Michael Creg Afful
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Ghana: Fire Service Averts Potential Fuel Tanker Explosion At Nsawam Okanta
Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on Tuesday swiftly averted a potential fuel tanker explosion after a DAF XF diesel tanker with registration number GC-1084-11 overturned at Nsawam Okanta on the Accra-Kumasi Highway. Firefighters from the Suhum Municipal Fire Station responded to the distress call and promptly applied foam and water to cool the tanker, control the diesel spillage, and secure the area. Their timely intervention prevented casualties and protected lives and property. In a post on Facebook, GNFS acknowledged the role played by police officers at the scene in securing the area and preventing fuel siphoning, while the recovery team worked to safely upright and tow the tanker to a secure location, ensuring full restoration of safety. The GNFS cautioned the public against fuel siphoning, as it constitutes theft and poses extreme risks of fire, explosion, and loss of life. The GNFS further urged residents and motorists to stay away from accident scenes and allow emergency services to manage such situations professionally.  
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