At the 20th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) India–Africa Business Conclave, Dr Barakat Ahmed, Regional Head for Africa at the International Solar Alliance (ISA), highlighted the organisation’s efforts in driving Africa’s clean energy transition, making solar energy more affordable, scalable, and transformative.
Speaking across sessions including the CEO Roundtable and “The Future of Energy: Shifting to Sustainable & Clean Solutions,” Dr Ahmed emphasised that solar energy extends beyond electricity—it represents empowerment, innovation, and opportunity.
Key initiatives highlighted by Dr Ahmed include:
- Capacity Building: Training over 5,000 technicians and policymakers to develop a skilled solar workforce across Africa.
- Entrepreneurial Support: Empowering innovators through the SolarX Startup Challenge to deliver localised solar solutions.
- Blended Finance Partnerships: Collaborating with the African Development Bank Group and The World Bank to de-risk projects, providing affordable clean energy to farmers, women entrepreneurs, and rural communities.
- Solar Pumping & Mini-Grids: Expanding energy access to farms, homes, and communities.
- Rooftop Solar Systems: Powering schools, health centres, and households.
- Green Jobs & South–South Cooperation: Promoting employment opportunities and knowledge-sharing across nations.
Dr Ahmed noted that Africa faces the dual challenge of delivering energy access to 600 million people while advancing a sustainable, low-carbon future. ISA’s practical and scalable solutions aim to drive Africa’s solar journey, catalysing growth, community empowerment, and an inclusive, sustainable energy future.
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