Zambia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Toyota Tsusho Corporation for the development and implementation of a 100 megawatts solar power project.
Toyota Tsusho Corporation through their implementation agency, El Sewedy Electric Company will establish two separate 50 megawatt power plants in Sesheke and Mongu respectively.
His Excellency, President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu witnessed the signing ceremony which took place on the margins of the 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) Summit in Yokohama, Wednesday.
The MoU was signed among Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Joseph Malanji who signed on behalf of Zambia, Toyota Tsusho Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ichiro Kashitani and El Sewedy Electric Company President and Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Ahmed El Sewedy.
And speaking earlier when Mr. Kashitani called on him, President Lungu called for expeditious implementation of the project.
The President also called for continued cooperation and dialogue for the success of the project.
President Lungu thanked Toyota Tsusho Corporation for their continued investments in Zambia, citing their acquisition of Mission Pharma.
The President assured Toyota Tsusho Corporation of government support as the company will be an important partner in the health sector.
Meanwhile Mr. Kashitani said his company will train Zambian engineers to work with Japanese engineers to operate and manage the two power plants in order to transfer skills and knowledge to the locals.
And Totyota Tsusho Corporation, General Manager for Energy and Infrastructure, Mr. Hideyuki Oiwa said the solar power project which is expected to be completed by August 2021 will be implemented under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) with Finance project scheme and supported by the Japanese government.
Mr. Oiwa said the project which is unique in the Southern African region will be established with Photovoltaic (PV) and Batteries to allow for lighting after sunset.
President Lungu is in Japan to attend the 7th Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD7) Summit.
TICAD SUMMIT is an international conference led by the Japanese Government held every three years on African Development.
This information was according to a statement issued by First Secretary for Press at the Embassy of Japan in Zambia.