African Agrivoltaics Platform Launched To Boost Dual Land Use For Energy And Agriculture

A major step toward sustainable development in Africa has begun with the launch of the African Agrivoltaics Platform in Paris. The initiative focuses on agrivoltaics, a system where solar panels and crops are grown on the same land. This approach aims to solve two key challenges at once—improving food security and expanding renewable energy use across the continent.

The platform was introduced during a workshop held at the OECD headquarters, where experts from energy, agriculture, and finance sectors came together. While agrivoltaics has shown success in pilot projects, it has not yet been widely adopted in Africa. High costs, lack of clear regulations, and limited technical data have slowed its growth.

To address these issues, the initiative plans to make agrivoltaics projects more attractive to investors by turning them into a “bankable” asset class. A key proposal discussed was the creation of a blended finance facility. This model would combine public and private funding to reduce risks and support early-stage projects.

The platform will operate through three working groups focused on research, financing, and business model development. These groups will help build a strong foundation for scaling agrivoltaics projects across different regions in Africa. The African Development Bank has already expressed support, highlighting the project’s potential to improve energy access while protecting water and food resources.

Supporters also believe the initiative can strengthen local independence by enabling countries to produce their own food and electricity. This could reduce reliance on global supply chains and protect against price fluctuations.

Going forward, the platform will work on developing ready-to-implement projects suited to various climates. With global events like the France-Africa Summit in 2026 approaching, the initiative aims to demonstrate that agriculture and solar energy can successfully coexist, benefiting both people and the environment.