China Invests R635 million in New Mpumalanga Solar Panel Plant
South Africa’s move toward cleaner energy has received a major boost with a $35 million (about R635 million) investment from China’s Wucheng City to build a solar panel assembly plant in the Nkangala District Municipality, Mpumalanga.
The new plant is expected to open next year and bring much-needed jobs to the region, which has faced tough times following the closure of several coal mines. The project will help Nkangala transition from coal dependency to renewable energy, supporting South Africa’s broader Just Energy Transition plan.
Partnership with Purpose
This partnership began in 2024 when the Africa Youth Entrepreneurs South Africa (Ayesa) and Golden Bridge Expo South Africa formed ties through a “Match-Making Initiative” that connects Chinese and African cities for investment cooperation.
According to Ayesa National Head Imram Makama, the Wucheng–Nkangala project took shape through a three-tier approach: government-to-government, city-to-city, and business-to-business collaboration.
“The total cost of the plant and the related training programs is estimated at $35 million over three years,” Makama said, adding that this partnership represents “a blueprint for sustainable growth and future cooperation.”
Shared Goals and Local Growth
Nkangala and Wucheng share similar economic backgrounds, especially in mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. Nkangala, known as the industrial heart of Mpumalanga, is home to more than 100 mines and nine coal-fired power stations. But as South Africa moves toward green energy, regions like Nkangala are working to reinvent themselves.
“This sister-city partnership gives both regions a chance to turn shared challenges into shared opportunities,” Makama said.
A Step Toward Industrial Renewal
The project was announced during the fourth International Industrialisation & Machine Tools Southern Africa Trade Expo in Sandton. Yavi Madurai, president of the African Prosperity Fund, said the deal shows that “Africa’s districts and towns are ready to do business and build partnerships grounded in shared prosperity and local empowerment.”
Golden Bridge general manager Fa Wenyan described the Expo as “a bridge that connects South Africa to the world, linking industries, innovation, and opportunities.”
Linked to a Bigger Solar Future
This investment adds to a growing list of Chinese-supported renewable energy projects across Africa. In South Africa, Chinese companies have played major roles in the De Aar and Garob solar farms in the Northern Cape and the Longyuan Mulilo wind projects. Across the continent, China has invested in large-scale solar initiatives in Egypt, Kenya, and Zambia, helping African countries increase energy access and cut carbon emissions.
As Mpumalanga prepares to switch on its new solar assembly line, the project stands as a symbol of how international partnerships can help Africa build cleaner, stronger, and more sustainable local economies.