Africa50 to unveil $500 million fund for green projects

• Africa50 was formed in 2012 by African heads of state to bring innovative solutions to accelerate infrastructure development in line with the African Union's Agenda 2063. It mobilises public and private sector finance and invests in medium- to large-scale projects.

• In the last seven years, it has invested in 28 projects across 27 African countries and now manages $1.1 billion in assets. The shareholding countries have grown to 32 from the initial 20 that joined at the inception of the platform.

• Our take: To successfully penetrate the African energy market requires addressing the challenge of affordability… Read more (2 min)

Construction kicks off for Côte d'Ivoire's largest solar plant

• Situated in Ferkéssédougou, approximately 30 kilometers north of Abidjan, the project is being developed by PFO Energies, a subsidiary of PFO Africa, and is currently under construction on a 70-hectare site. Workers have already begun installing 70,000 next-generation solar panels.

• The plant will generate 90 GWh annually, nearly doubling the country’s solar capacity, powering 370,000 households, and supporting the country’s target of achieving 45% renewable energy by 2030.

• Our take: Despite an ideal irradiation of 3510 Wh/m², Côte d’Ivoire's adaptation to solar power has been slow… Read more (2 min)

Uganda seeks off-grid power for schools

• The Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) model allows institutions like schools to access reliable electricity without the burden of upfront costs and technical expertise. In this model, a third-party company finances, installs, and manages the energy infrastructure, handling all maintenance and operational aspects. The customer pays for the energy service, not the equipment itself, making it a cost-effective and sustainable solution.  

• The Ministry of Education has allocated $5.5 million in grant funding to cover all electrical work costs and up to 70% of other upfront costs. The remaining upfront costs and ongoing operation and maintenance (O&M) will be financed through fixed quarterly payments over a 10-year service agreement. 

• Our take: The low electricity access rate is an opportunity for energy companies to explore… Read more (2 min)

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