Zimbabwe plans competitive bidding for electricity projects
Zimbabwe’s energy regulator plans to introduce competitive bidding exercises for electricity projects from 2026. The announcement coincides with plans to open up Zimbabwe’s electricity retail market to private companies, who will be able to sell and distribute electricity starting next year.
Engie sells Africa off-grid business to Ignite
UAE-based Ignite has bought Engie Energy Access, creating Africa’s largest off-grid solar and minigrid operator, serving 15 million people.
Slow progress on access to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for eight of every ten people lacking access to electricity, according to the International Energy Agency, with early data for 2025 suggesting the rate of progress is set to remain broadly flat.
Mauritania, Niger sign major solar financing deals
Mauritania has signed its first independent power producer contract, covering a 60 MW solar-wind hybrid project. Niger has entered into a financing agreement with the African Development Bank that plans to develop 240 MW of solar power by the end of the decade.
Mauritania seeks consultants to support mini-grid development
A project developing green mini-grids to increase electricity access in rural Mauritania is searching for a consulting firm to support its implementation. The deadline for applications is October 17.
Ghana starts building solar for irrigation scheme
Construction is underway of a 1 MW solar project that will power agricultural production in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The site forms part of a Korean government-funded program addressing the twin challenges of energy transition and food security in the region.
Chad starts first utility-scale solar plant with 50 MW and storage
Abu Dhabi-based Global South Utilities has commissioned Chad’s first utility-scale solar plant, a 50 MW facility in N’Djamena with 5 MWh of storage to supply 274,000 homes.
South Africa awards energy trading license to largest private bank
Investec has become one of the first financial institutions in South Africa to be awarded a license to buy and sell energy, beginning with a 50 MW solar project currently under construction. There are now 14 private companies with an energy trading license in South Africa.
Chad plans 520 MW of solar by 2030
Chad plans to raise $1.1 billion to add 886 MW of power capacity, the majority of which is expected to be solar.
Namibia approves 3 GW of solar for hydrogen production
The Namibian government has granted an environmental approval for a 3 GW solar farm. The energy generated is set to be used for green hydrogen and green ammonia production.
