Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
VICTORIA FALLS is set to host a high-level regional solar energy meeting next week as Africa seeks to accelerate investment in renewable energy, expand electricity access and harness its vast solar resources for industrial and economic transformation.
The Eighth Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for the Africa Region will be held from 25-27 August bringing together Member Countries and other stakeholders at a critical phase in the continent’s energy transition.
The meeting is expected to produce practical outcomes around scaling up solar deployment, mobilising climate finance, strengthening agricultural productivity through solarisation and developing skills and institutions needed to support Africa’s renewable energy ambitions.
“The International Solar Alliance (ISA), a multilateral initiative jointly launched by India and France at COP21 in 2015, serves as a global platform for over 120 Member Countries to advance solar energy deployment as a driver of sustainable development, energy security, and climate action.
“It is being convened at a critical moment for Africa’s solar energy transition and ISA’s engagement with its Member Countries,’ organisers said.
The gathering will provide an opportunity for countries to assess progress made under existing solar programmes while identifying policy, financing and implementation measures required to unlock the continent’s enormous renewable energy potential.
“The Meeting will provide a platform to review progress, align regional priorities and advance implementation focused on energy access, climate resilience, industrial development, food security and economic transformation.”
Organisers said Africa’s energy deficit remains one of the biggest obstacles to inclusive economic development, despite the continent possessing some of the world’s richest solar resources.
“Africa possesses approximately 60% of the world’s best solar resources but accounts for only 1% of global installed solar PV capacity. By the end of 2024, Africa’s installed solar PV capacity stood at 21 GW, including 11 GW in South Africa and 3 GW in Egypt, leaving the remaining 54 countries with only 8 GW, approximately 0.33% of global capacity.
“Of the US$521 billion invested globally in solar in 2024, only about US$9 billion (2%) was directed to Africa.”
A major expected outcome of the meeting is progress towards operationalising the Africa Solar Facility, which is designed to use concessional and blended financing to crowd in significantly larger volumes of private capital into solar projects.
“The Meeting is expected to advance the operationalisation of the Africa Solar Facility, with a US$25 million contribution from the Government of India catalysing approximately US$700 million in blended finance for solar scale-up.”
The financing mechanism could be particularly significant for African countries where high project risks, limited fiscal space and difficulties in accessing affordable long-term capital have slowed investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
Another major outcome will be the launch of the ISA Community of Practice on Solarisation of Agriculture in Africa.
Zimbabwe’s selection as the host aligns with its efforts to diversify its energy mix through solar development, independent power projects, rural electrification, and clean energy technology investments.
Hosting the event is seen as a vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s evolving role in regional energy development and its commitment to sustainable energy access.
