December 2, 2024 – Development Reimagined (DR) and the International Center on Small Hydro Power (ICSHP) successfully hosted the “Investing in Zambia’s Green Growth: Renewable Energy and Environmental Manufacturing Matchmaking Forum” in Hangzhou, China.
The event brought together key stakeholders from both countries, marking a significant milestone in China-Zambia renewable energy cooperation, including representatives from the Embassy of Zambia in China, Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre (KGRTC), Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), Chinese energy enterprises, Industry associations and Research institutions.
Mr. Xu Jincai, Director General of ICSHP, Ms. Fu Yike, Climate Program Manager of Development Reimagined, and Mr. Davies Siandahu Chinkusu, Director of Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre (KGRTC) delivered opening remarks to welcome all participants.
His Excellency Mr Alfred Likokoto Sililo, Chargé d’Affairs of the Zambian Embassy in China, delivered a keynote speech highlighting the strategic timing of this event. Coming after the successful 9th FOCAC and coinciding with the 60th anniversary of China-Zambia diplomatic relations, H.E. Sililo emphasized Zambia’s commitment to deepening cooperation with China in clean energy and green industrialization. He extended an invitation to all participants to attend the upcoming Energy Indaba 2025 in Zambia, highlighting opportunities in critical mineral development, renewable energy generation, and electric vehicle manufacturing.
The discussion and matchmaking session focused on two main themes: “Investment Opportunities in Zambia’s Renewable Energy Value Chain” and “Unlocking Zambia’s Environmental Products Local Manufacturing Potential.”
Panel 1: Investment Opportunities in Zambia’s Renewable Energy Value Chain
The first panel focused on renewable energy project development, where Mr. Chen Zhang, Head of Africa Division, Department of International Cooperation, China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute (CREEI), provided comprehensive insights and specific recommendations for renewable energy cooperation with Zambia, based on the country’s resource endowment and power planning perspective.
Mr.Mwaba Matimba, Head of the Engineering Projects and Consulting Department at Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre (KGRTC), introduced KGRTC’s role as a SADC (Southern African Development Community) affiliate institution. He shared their resources and experience in renewable energy project development, engineering consulting, and technical training, along with details of four renewable energy projects currently under preparation or feasibility study.
Representing industry associations, Ms. Lu Lisha, Director of International Cooperation at China Renewable Energy Industries Association (CREIA), presented the framework, vision, and member countries of the “China-Africa Renewable Energy Innovation Financing Partnership” led by CREIA. She also analyzed Chinese enterprises’ key considerations and action recommendations for energy investment in Africa.
From the new energy sector, Ms. Xue Jiamei, Key Account Manager of Overseas Business Group at Jiangsu Hanchu Energy Technology (ESS), shared their experience in serving Zambian energy storage customers and positive progress in local manufacturing.
Chinese and Zambian delegates engaged in discussions about Zambian electricity pricing and power project economics, providing a valuable reference for future project sustainability analysis.
Panel II: Unlock the Environment Good Local Manufacturing Potential in Zambia
The second panel focused on “Unlocking Zambia’s Environmental Products Local Manufacturing Potential.” Ms. Fu Yike, Climate Program Manager at Development Reimagined, shared data-driven research findings showing that Zambia is not only a “potential regional hub for environmental products manufacturing in Southern Africa” but also “one of the top five renewable energy investment destinations suitable for Chinese stakeholders.” She highlighted Zambia’s significant potential in renewable energy project development and localized manufacturing of products such as solar-powered electric vehicles.
As a reference for Zambia’s future development, Mr. Zhang Cheng, Research Associate at World Resources Institute (WRI), shared practical experience of implementing “solar + battery swapping” systems and local assembly for two-wheeler electric vehicles in Rwanda.
Ms. Li Claire, Market Manager and Chairman Assistant at Shenzhen Power Solution Technology Co., Ltd., presented their core considerations for factory investment in Ethiopia, practical approaches, challenges encountered post-establishment, solutions, and localization opportunities.
Participants noted that Chinese enterprises’ practices in East Africa provide valuable experience and guidance for promoting green manufacturing in Zambia.
Development Reimagined will strengthen communication with the Zambian Embassy in China, Zambian investment promotion agencies, relevant ministries, and Southern African regional cooperation organizations. A business delegation visit to Zambia is planned for next year to explore and implement project opportunities.
For cooperation inquiries, please contact: yikefu@developmentreimagined.com
