In a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s renewable energy ambitions, the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has finalized a strategic partnership with Longi, the world’s largest solar panel manufacturer, to establish a 1-gigawatt (GW) solar panel production facility in the country.
The deal, sealed during a high-level meeting between Nigerian government delegates and Longi executives at the company’s headquarters in China earlier this month, follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding earlier in the year. According to ECN, Longi expressed “strong interest in investing in Nigeria” and is ready to move forward with concrete plans for the construction of the factory.
This partnership represents a bold push to localize solar manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports, and accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition. The proposed plant will be one of the largest in Africa, boosting both job creation and clean-energy supply across the country.
The Longi initiative joins a wave of solar projects reshaping Nigeria’s renewable landscape. In September, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Dutch solar firm Solarge BV launched a special purpose vehicle for another 1GW solar factory, while Oando Clean Energy signed a 1.2GW assembly agreement earlier this year.
Together, these ventures underscore Nigeria’s commitment to becoming a regional hub for sustainable energy manufacturing and reducing the outflow of capital on imported solar panels.
