This off-grid solar energy initiative comes at a critical juncture, as hundreds of millions of Africans still live without reliable electricity. The $40 million convertible loan agreement between the IFC and EDF Power Solutions is set to accelerate the availability of affordable and dependable clean energy in Africa. Ethiopis Tafara, IFC’s vice president for Africa, confirmed the agreement.

The financing structure for off-grid solar energy deployment is designed to foster large-scale deployment by combining direct IFC funding with capital mobilized from private investors. This approach aims to strengthen the off-grid energy market in Africa, aligning with Mission 300, a collaborative program by the World Bank and the African Development Bank that seeks to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030. The pay-as-you-go model, which allows customers to acquire solar kits through installment payments, has proven instrumental in extending electricity access to low-income households, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

Access to electricity remains one of the most significant structural challenges facing the continent. The African Development Bank has reported that nearly 600 million Africans lacked electricity access as of 2025, with the majority residing in sub-Saharan Africa. This substantial gap has spurred considerable investment in decentralized energy systems, with off-grid solar solutions, mini-grids, and independent power producers emerging as key areas of growth.

Several large-scale initiatives are already in motion across the continent, including the African Development Bank’s New Deal on Energy for Africa, the ECOWAS Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project, and Mission 300. A progress report from November 2025 indicated that Mission 300 had successfully mobilized over $8.5 billion and established national energy compacts in 17 countries. The IFC’s investment in EDF Power Solutions is a component of its broader strategy focused on enhancing energy infrastructure in Africa.

Upon completion, the Nambala Solar PV expansion will position the facility as one of the nation’s most substantial renewable energy installations, with total generation capacity reaching 250 MW. The project underscores Zambia’s commitment to building a more balanced energy portfolio, particularly as the country faces ongoing challenges related to hydroelectric generation constraints brought about by climate-related drought patterns.

The formal agreement was executed through a Power Purchase Agreement between SunShare Energy and ZESCO, the country’s primary electricity utility provider. Under this arrangement, the solar facility will deliver clean electricity directly to the national grid infrastructure, contributing measurably to energy availability and system stability across residential, industrial, and commercial sectors throughout Zambia.

Located within the Mumbwa District, the installation will employ contemporary solar photovoltaic technology designed to convert solar radiation into electrical power. Zambia’s geographical positioning provides exceptional conditions for solar energy development, with consistently high solar irradiation levels maintained throughout the calendar year, making the Nambala Solar PV expansion particularly well-suited to the local environment.

Government representatives have characterized this investment as an integral component of a comprehensive national approach to long-term energy security. By expanding solar power generation capacity, Zambia can effectively reduce operational pressure on existing hydroelectric installations, particularly the Kariba Dam facility, during seasons when rainfall remains limited. This diversification strategy creates what officials describe as a protective buffer against potential supply disruptions while minimizing economic risks associated with extended power shortages.

The expansion project is anticipated to generate employment opportunities spanning multiple phases of development. Construction activities will create temporary positions for local workers, while permanent technical and operational roles will emerge following the plant’s full operational status. These employment prospects extend economic benefits beyond energy generation itself.

SunShare Energy has reaffirmed its dedication to executing the project within planned timelines while supporting Zambia’s broader renewable energy transition objectives. The comprehensive undertaking encompasses the installation of extensive solar panel arrays, battery energy storage system integration, and transmission infrastructure necessary to connect the Nambala Solar PV expansion to the existing national grid network.

Industry analysts regard this initiative as a meaningful development for Zambia’s infrastructure advancement and clean energy sector positioning. The collaborative framework involving government entities, the national utility company, and private sector investors demonstrates how international partnerships can effectively facilitate sustainable development progress while advancing climate objectives and broadening energy access throughout the population.

The Nambala Solar PV expansion reflects a broader regional trend of increased international investment in African renewable energy infrastructure, positioning Zambia as an emerging participant in Southern Africa’s clean energy landscape.

The Luau solar storage park now holds the distinction of being the largest off-grid solar park on the African continent, taking over from MCA’s Cazombo solar park, which was commissioned in late 2025. The new facility is designed to provide essential power to over 90,000 residents in its vicinity. Furthermore, the integrated battery bank ensures a consistent power supply even during nighttime hours, completely eliminating the reliance on fossil fuels, according to statements from MCA.

Strategically located in eastern Angola along the Lobito Corridor, a vital railway and logistics initiative aimed at connecting the Port of Lobito on the western coast to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia to the east, the solar storage park’s positioning was a key factor in attracting considerable European investment. The largest off-grid solar park in Africa, valued at €87 million (approximately $102 million), benefited from financing structured by British Standard Chartered Bank. This was further supported by the German Export Agency, which provided a guarantee amounting to around €1 billion, reinsured by export agencies from Portugal and South Korea.

Both the Luau and Cazombo solar facilities are integral components of Angola’s broader Rural Electrification Project. This government-driven initiative is focused on deploying 46 autonomous minigrids powered by solar parks, with the overarching goal of extending energy access to more than one million individuals across 60 communes within Angola.

Manuel Couto Alves, Chairman of MCA, said, ““The completion of the Cazombo and Luau parks marks just the beginning of a structural and ambitious programme, which will continue to expand in the coming years.”

Among the key recommendations is an increase in import duties on lithium-ion batteries, with ITAC proposing that the general customs duty on fully assembled units be raised to 15%. This measure is intended to stimulate local renewable manufacturing by encouraging domestic production of energy storage systems, particularly as demand continues to rise across South Africa’s renewable energy sector. In parallel, ITAC is reassessing the “staged consignment” policy, which currently permits developers to import complete equipment packages for large-scale projects without incurring duties when components are not locally available. However, the Commission has identified that several items including solar panels, inverters, trackers, and steel tower sections can already be produced domestically. Under the proposed revisions, these components may no longer qualify for duty-free importation, further supporting local renewable manufacturing.

For solar panels specifically, authorities are adopting a phased transition. A temporary rebate on imported panels will remain in place until domestic assembly capacity reaches at least 50% of national demand. This approach is intended to maintain supply stability and prevent disruptions to ongoing renewable projects during the shift toward local renewable manufacturing. At the same time, the Public Procurement Act of 2024 is expected to play a central role in enforcing local content requirements, with public sector developments likely to be required to incorporate a defined share of locally produced components.

To ensure effective implementation of these measures, ITAC has proposed the creation of a dedicated advisory committee made up of industry experts. This group would provide guidance on trade policies and help maintain a balance between industrial development and practical project delivery. The proposals remain under review, with ITAC currently seeking stakeholder input and conducting consultations. The objective is to ensure that final policies support economic growth and the renewable energy transition without significantly increasing project costs, while continuing to advance local renewable manufacturing across the sector.

The sixth solar licensing round is focused on delivering 200 MW of photovoltaic capacity, targeting small to mid-sized utility-scale projects. Under the framework, private developers are invited to finance, build and operate solar facilities, with all generated electricity to be sold to the national utility, STEG. These projects will operate under standardised power purchase agreements typically structured over 20 years. The sixth solar licensing round is designed to broaden market access by encouraging participation from small and medium enterprises as well as regional developers, supporting diversification within Tunisia’s power generation sector and accelerating deployment beyond large centralised projects.

This latest initiative builds on recent progress in Tunisia’s renewable energy programme. In February 2026, the ministry awarded 187 licenses representing a combined capacity of 287 MW under the fifth licensing round, with individual project sizes ranging between 1 MW and 10 MW. That round contributed to the expansion of distributed generation across multiple governorates. The sixth solar licensing round follows these developments, reinforcing momentum across the sector and supporting continued growth in solar capacity.

Recent project milestones further highlight the country’s advancing capabilities in renewable deployment. Tunisia has inaugurated four 2 MW solar plants in Medenine and commissioned its largest photovoltaic installation to date, a 120 MW facility in Kairouan. In parallel with the sixth solar licensing round, the country is progressing a competitive procurement process for a 300 MW solar project paired with 150 MW of battery energy storage in Kebili. The submission deadline for bids has been set for 14 October 2026, reflecting increasing integration of storage solutions into Tunisia’s evolving power system.

The planned 500 MW solar PV project will be located in Maun, in the northwestern part of the country. The facility is set to incorporate advanced battery energy storage systems, ensuring a consistent and reliable electricity supply. With an operational lifespan projected at no less than 25 years, the 500 MW solar PV project is positioned as one of the most significant renewable investments undertaken in Botswana.

This development comes as Botswana intensifies efforts to reduce reliance on diamond exports and fossil fuel imports. The government has established a target of sourcing 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030, and the 500 MW solar PV project is expected to play a central role in achieving that objective. By enhancing grid stability and providing a sustainable energy source, the initiative is aligned with national priorities focused on resilience and diversification.

Beyond renewable energy, the partnership extends into mineral exploration and petroleum infrastructure. Botswana and Oman have agreed to jointly pursue a large-scale exploration program led by the Botswana Geo-Science Institute in collaboration with Minerals Development Oman. Covering nearly 70 percent of Botswana’s land area, the program will focus on minerals such as copper, gold, graphite, and iron ore, which are vital for industrial expansion and clean energy technologies. Additionally, the agreement outlines plans for the development of oil storage infrastructure, including facilities at Walvis Bay and the Tshele Hills Strategic Petroleum Depot, aimed at reinforcing fuel supply systems.

President Duma Boko emphasized that the agreements represent more than diplomatic engagement, highlighting their importance as a foundation for future infrastructure and industrial growth. Through collaboration with Oman, Botswana seeks to attract investment, leverage technical expertise, and establish a more sustainable and diversified economic framework capable of supporting both immediate energy requirements and long-term development goals.

A central aspect of the 100 MW solar project is its partnership framework involving GreenCo Power Services. Under this arrangement, GreenCo will procure the electricity generated by the solar facility and supply it directly to First Quantum Minerals for use in its mining operations. This structure is expected to create broader benefits beyond industrial consumption. As the mining company transitions to solar-generated electricity, the power it previously drew from the national grid will be freed up for households and small businesses, helping to ease supply constraints across the system.

The development comes at a time when Zambia is facing persistent electricity challenges, with power shortages and load shedding becoming more frequent due to declining hydropower output. Historically, the country has relied on hydropower for more than 80% of its electricity generation, but prolonged drought conditions and shifting rainfall patterns have reduced its reliability. Against this backdrop, the 100 MW solar project represents a strategic move to diversify the national energy mix while strengthening resilience in power generation. Notably, the project has been financed without direct government guarantees or reliance on public borrowing, highlighting the growing role of private sector participation in large-scale renewable infrastructure.

As construction progresses, the solar installation is expected to enhance Zambia’s overall electricity capacity, supporting both industrial demand and grid stability. By contributing additional generation to the system, the project will help improve the availability and reliability of power for everyday users across the country, reinforcing efforts to build a more sustainable and secure energy future.

A central feature of the programme is the introduction of a financing structure known as the “Carbon Feed-In Premium.” This model is intended to draw private sector participation into renewable energy by guaranteeing a fixed payment for carbon credits generated by eligible projects over a minimum period of ten years. By creating an additional and predictable revenue stream alongside electricity sales, the mechanism helps mitigate investment risks and improves project bankability. The 300 MW solar and BESS projects are expected to benefit directly from this approach, as developers gain stronger financial certainty when advancing proposals under the scheme.

The programme also places significant emphasis on energy storage integration. All participating projects must incorporate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), with a minimum storage requirement of at least 30 minutes for each installation. This requirement is designed to enhance grid stability and ensure consistent power delivery during periods of low solar generation. In addition, the deployment of storage within the 300 MW solar and BESS projects is expected to reduce Zambia’s dependence on hydroelectric power, which remains vulnerable to drought, as well as limit reliance on coal-based generation.

To be eligible, developers are required to demonstrate that their projects are already at an advanced development stage but have not yet entered construction. They must also establish the presence of a financing gap, indicating that progress is contingent on carbon credit support. Compliance with international environmental and social standards is mandatory, alongside alignment with national priorities such as emissions reduction and job creation. The application window is currently open and will close on May 31, 2026, after which submissions will be assessed between July and August. Successful applicants will enter into agreements with Zambia National Commercial Bank, which will oversee the disbursement of carbon finance payments. This initiative underscores Zambia’s commitment to leveraging international climate finance to reinforce energy security and accelerate its transition toward sustainability.

Developed as part of the Koruson 2 cluster, the Mooi Plaats Solar Plant has been delivered by Envusa Energy, a joint venture between Anglo American and EDF Renewables. This marks the first major project completed under Envusa’s wider strategy to build up to 5 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The development highlights the increasing importance of private sector collaboration in accelerating large-scale clean energy projects. It also demonstrates how strategic partnerships are playing a pivotal role in reshaping the country’s energy landscape.

From a technical standpoint, the facility integrates advanced solar technologies designed to maximise efficiency and output. The site is equipped with more than 416,000 bifacial solar panels capable of capturing sunlight from both sides, enhancing energy generation potential. These panels are mounted on a single-axis tracking system that follows the sun’s movement throughout the day. Supported by around 1,000 string inverters, the Mooi Plaats Solar Plant is expected to produce nearly 360 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to South Africa’s renewable energy capacity.

The primary objective of the plant is to deliver reliable, clean electricity to major industrial users. Under a 20-year agreement, power generated at the facility will be supplied to Anglo American’s mining operations, including De Beers and Kumba IronOre. This transition is set to lower carbon emissions and reduce dependence on the national grid. In addition to its environmental impact, the project has contributed to local economic development and social benefits. Overall, the Mooi Plaats Solar Plant serves as a model for future renewable initiatives, demonstrating how coordinated efforts can enhance energy security, drive sustainability, and support community development.

Deliberations during the meeting outlined a comprehensive roadmap aimed at strengthening the strategic energy partnership, with both sides agreeing to intensify cooperation in renewable energy expansion, interconnected grid systems, energy storage solutions, and institutional capacity building. The discussions highlighted the importance of combining India’s technical expertise with Africa’s growing energy potential to ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable power access. Addressing the gathering, Manohar Lal stressed the role of energy as a driver of economic growth and reiterated India’s ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’ vision as a pathway toward global energy connectivity. He also pointed to India’s evolution from an energy-deficit to a surplus nation as a model that could support Africa’s development, reinforcing the long-term value of the strategic energy partnership. The Minister further referenced ongoing collaborations involving Africa50 and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited as examples of how public-private partnerships and innovative financing can enable resilient infrastructure.

From an investment standpoint, Alain Ebobissé emphasized a shift across the continent toward bankable projects and the mobilisation of private capital, noting that Africa is increasingly prioritising investment-led partnerships over traditional aid models. He highlighted the growing emphasis on transmission expansion and integrated energy planning within the evolving strategic energy partnership framework. Complementing this perspective, Jean Mathanga called for faster progress in electrification, renewable energy deployment, and grid infrastructure development, particularly in underserved and rural areas. She also pointed to opportunities in smart metering, microgrids, and decentralized systems aligned with Africa’s inclusive energy agenda.

The India-Africa collaboration continues to build momentum through multilateral initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, which promotes technology transfer, investment, and scalable clean energy solutions, including rooftop solar, hybrid systems, and mini-grids. Overall, the meeting reinforced a transformative approach to cooperation centred on co-creation and investment-led growth, with the strategic energy partnership emerging as a cornerstone for long-term socio-economic development and sustainable energy progress across both regions.