Monday, March 16, 2026
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UPEX 2026

THE GCC

Persistent Launches $70 Million Africa Climate Venture Fund To Support Early-Stage Climate-Tech Startups

Persistent, a venture builder focused on climate solutions, has launched the $70 million Persistent Africa Climate Venture (ACV) Fund to support early-stage climate technology...

NERSA Announces Approval Process And Tariff Application Timeline For Licensed Electricity Distributors For FY 2026–27 In South Africa

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has outlined the approval process and deadlines for electricity distributors to submit tariff applications for the 2026–27 financial year. Timelines emphasize transparency and regulatory certainty. Submissions are due by March 2026, with public consultation until April 21, 2026, and final decisions by May 11, 2026.

Rockefeller Foundation Commits $10 Million to Advance Mission 300 Electrification Initiative in Africa

The Rockefeller Foundation pledged an additional $10 million to the Mission 300 initiative, aiming to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. This funding will enhance electrification projects in at least 15 countries, supporting National Energy Compacts. Energy access is crucial for economic growth and addressing poverty in Africa.

BGFA Signs Fourth Mini-Grid Project in DRC to Expand Electricity Access in Dungu

The Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa has agreed to support a solar mini-grid project in Dungu, DRC, with €3 million in funding. This project, operated by Les Soleils de la Garamba S.A.S.U, aims to provide reliable electricity to over 19,000 people by 2029, enhancing economic opportunities, healthcare, and environmental conservation.

South Africa Marks 300 Days Without Loadshedding As Eskom Stabilizes Power Supply

South Africa has marked 300 days without loadshedding, a significant achievement reflecting improvements in its energy sector after nearly two decades of shortages. This progress follows Eskom's Operational Recovery Plan, enhancing existing power station efficiencies, alongside increased investments in renewable energy. However, experts caution that future investments in infrastructure are vital for sustained stability.

Eskom And City Of Ekurhuleni Reach R3.4 Billion Debt Settlement To Secure Power Supply

Eskom and the City of Ekurhuleni have settled a R3.4 billion electricity debt, halting legal disputes and ensuring stable electricity supply. The city has paid R1.7 billion upfront, with the remaining balance due over 18 months. Both parties emphasize ongoing communication to maintain reliable services and financial stability.

THE NEAR EAST

Kenya Faces Rising Power Cuts As Grid Struggles To Meet Surging Electricity Demand

Kenya is experiencing a severe electricity crisis marked by frequent power outages and the necessity for load-shedding, highlighting an aging infrastructure struggling to meet rising demand. Contributing factors include a four-year halt in new power plant commissions, increasing consumption, and technical inefficiencies. Solutions hinge on urgent reforms, investments, and private sector involvement.

Copperbelt Energy Corporation Expands Solar Capacity To 230 MW As Zambia Accelerates Renewable Energy Transition

The Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) is expanding Zambia's renewable energy sector by developing solar power projects. Significant achievements include the commissioning of the 60 MW Itimpi Phase 1 solar plant. CEC's financial growth stems from increased electricity demand, exports, and a recent $97 million green bond for further investments, aiming for 230 MW by 2026.

POWERGRID Approves ₹5,000 Crore Loan, Substation Security Investment And Uganda Transmission Partnership

Power Grid Corporation of India Limited's Board of Directors approved significant initiatives on March 9, 2026, including raising ₹5,000 crore through a rupee term loan to support ongoing projects. They also sanctioned ₹233.96 crore for a cybersecurity operations center and decided to divest from Central Transmission Utility of India Limited, enhancing international collaborations in Uganda.

Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited Strengthens Grid Reliability in Southern Nyanza with New Transmission Infrastructure

Power consumers in Southern Nyanza have enjoyed uninterrupted electricity during maintenance on the Muhoroni–Chemosit line, thanks to recent infrastructure enhancements by KETRACO. Improved grid reliability allows for maintenance without outages, and the new Sondu–Homa Bay transmission line enhances overall power stability, benefiting homes, businesses, and regional development.

Week in Africa: JinkoSolar Connects Tanzania Solar; Natura Closes 31 MW Solar and More…

Recent developments in Africa's renewable energy sector highlight significant progress. Tanzania launched its first solar PV project, while South Africa and Tunisia expanded solar capacity. Clean energy investments surged to $15 billion, although more is needed. Key initiatives focus on solar, energy storage, and sustainable development across the continent.

Zimbabwe Halts Raw Lithium Exports To Boost Local Battery Mineral Processing

Zimbabwe has enacted an immediate ban on exporting raw minerals and lithium concentrates, aiming to enhance domestic processing and economic value. As Africa's largest lithium producer, this policy shift is expected to disrupt the global battery supply chain, particularly affecting China's supply. The move seeks to strengthen local industries while potentially increasing lithium prices.

NORTH AFRICA
News

Rwanda Advances Nuclear Energy Plans With IAEA Support And Targets Small Modular Reactor For Future Power Supply

Rwanda is advancing its nuclear power plans as part of its energy strategy, with an IAEA assessment confirming progress in necessary infrastructure and policies. The government aims for nuclear energy to supply up to 70% of electricity by the 2030s, promoting energy security and economic growth while adhering to international safety standards.

Persistent Launches $70 Million Africa Climate Venture Fund To Support Early-Stage Climate-Tech Startups

Persistent, a venture builder focused on climate solutions, has launched the $70 million Persistent Africa Climate Venture (ACV) Fund to support early-stage climate technology...

NERSA Announces Approval Process And Tariff Application Timeline For Licensed Electricity Distributors For FY 2026–27 In South Africa

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has outlined the approval process and deadlines for electricity distributors to submit tariff applications for the 2026–27 financial year. Timelines emphasize transparency and regulatory certainty. Submissions are due by March 2026, with public consultation until April 21, 2026, and final decisions by May 11, 2026.

GameChange Solar to Supply Trackers for 258 MWp Benban Solar Project in Egypt

GameChange Solar has partnered with Hassan Allam Construction to supply its Genius Trackerâ„¢ system for a 258 MWp solar project in Benban, Egypt. This marks GameChange's fourth Egyptian project, boosting its installed capacity in the country to over 3 GWp. The solar facility will support Egypt's renewable energy goals by integrating battery storage and enhancing grid reliability.
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MARKET INSIGHTS - AFRICA

South Africa Marks 300 Days Without Loadshedding As Eskom Stabilizes Power Supply

South Africa has marked 300 days without loadshedding, a significant achievement reflecting improvements in its energy sector after nearly two decades of shortages. This progress follows Eskom's Operational Recovery Plan, enhancing existing power station efficiencies, alongside increased investments in renewable energy. However, experts caution that future investments in infrastructure are vital for sustained stability.

Kenya Reopens Power Purchase Agreements With Competitive Auctions And Stricter Oversight

Kenya is lifting a three-year moratorium on new Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to encourage private sector investment in electricity generation. The shift to a competitive auction system aims to lower costs and improve transparency, with strict regulations on ownership disclosure and oversight. The government seeks a clean energy grid by 2030, balancing regulation with investor appeal.

Africa’s Solar Breakthrough Gains Momentum After Record Capacity Growth In 2025

Africa's energy landscape is transforming with a significant shift towards solar power, following record capacity additions in 2025. The decline in photovoltaic costs and increased investments are driving this change, addressing power shortages and enhancing economic growth. Leading nations are expanding their solar infrastructure, while advancements in battery storage bolster reliability. However, financing challenges and grid upgrades are ongoing concerns.

Rwanda Secures $300 Million Boost To Expand Solar Access, Clean Cooking, And Grid Connections

Rwanda is set to enhance energy access with $300 million in funding from international sources, including a $100 million loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The program aims to provide electricity and clean cooking solutions to low-income communities, improve energy infrastructure, create jobs, and support sustainable development by 2035.

Africa’s Clean Cooking Crisis: U.S. Pushes IEA To Support Energy Access And Development

The U.S. is urging the IEA to refocus on global energy security rather than climate ideology, criticizing its restrictive impact on African energy projects. With millions lacking electricity and clean cooking, officials stress the need for practical solutions and investment pathways that include oil and gas to combat energy poverty effectively.

Africa’s Energy Transition Gains Momentum Amid Climate And Development Challenges – Study

Africa is at a crucial point in its energy transition, striving to address economic growth while tackling climate change impacts. Energy poverty hampers progress in vital sectors. Renewable energy is being embraced as a solution, despite challenges related to dependency on fossil fuels. Decentralized systems enhance access to power, supporting development and resilience.

IN CONVERSATION

Green Ambitions, Local Solutions: SAREM’s Role in Reshaping South Africa’s Energy Economy – Jurg Van Dyk, Partner (Finance & Projects)  – Pinsent Mason

How does the South African Renewable Energy Master Plan (SAREM) create a stronger investment case for renewable energy supply chains and manufacturing locally? The SAREM...

Jinko Solar’s Role in Shaping the Future of Solar PV in MENA – Hossam Hassan Senior Sales Manager North Africa and Hassan Yehia Sales...

What are Jinko Solar’s key innovations in solar PV technology showcased in WFES 2025? Hossam Hassan: At the World Future Energy Summit 2025, Jinko Solar...

Unveiling the Tiger Neo 3.0: A Leap in Solar Innovation – Joanna Zhuona, PV Sales Director for SSA – Jinko Solar

Joanna’s remarkable journey with Jinko Solar began in 2016, and over the past eight years, she has grown into a pivotal leader in the...

Exploring Jinko ESS: Local Support, Scalability, and Renewable Integration – Titus Koech, Head of Technical ESS: MEA, JinkoSolar

Jinko ESS is a strategic arm of Jinko and aims to become one of the world's leading energy storage solutions providers, specifically designed for...

Jinko Solar’s Breakthrough Advancements in PV Technology Driving Renewable Energy Growth in West Africa – Adama Cisse, West Africa Sales Manager

What key challenges does Jinko Solar encounter in the West African market, and how does the company overcome them? Jinko Solar encounters challenges such as...

Pioneering Sustainable Energy Solutions: An Exclusive Interview with Sun Exchange CEO, Saul Wainwright

In this exclusive interview, Saul, CEO of Sun Exchange, discusses the company’s pivotal role in advancing solar energy across South Africa and beyond. Saul...

Central Africa

Soleos Energy and Melci Holdings Announce 200MW Solar Project in Democratic Republic of Congo

Soleos Energy, in collaboration with Melci Holdings, has announced the development of a 200MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project in the Democratic Republic of Congo...

CrossBoundary Energy And iSAT Africa Partner To Provide Renewable Energy For Rural Telecom Sites In DRC And South Sudan

CrossBoundary Energy (CBE) has announced a significant partnership with iSAT Africa to deliver renewable energy solutions for telecom sites across the Democratic Republic of...

Chad Unveils Advanced Solar PV System With Aptech Africa To Boost Clean Energy Access

Chad has taken a significant step toward a sustainable energy future with the inauguration of a new photovoltaic (PV) system installed by Aptech Africa....

GoShop Energy Transforms Healthcare In Democratic Republic Of Congo With Solar Power Solutions

Mahagi Health Zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has faced significant challenges due to a lack of connection to the public electricity...

Solar Power Transforms Healthcare In Mahagi, DRC: A Vital Upgrade For Local Hospitals

In a transformative initiative aimed at bolstering healthcare capabilities in the Mahagi Health Zone of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), solar energy solutions...

Infinity Power Signs MoU with Cameroon West Regional Council to Develop 4GW of Renewable Energy

Infinity Power, the leading African renewable energy provider, has committed to a groundbreaking initiative in Cameroon. Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the...

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Technology

Huawei’s Intelligent Distribution Solution: Addressing Variability in Renewable Energy Integration

In the contemporary landscape of energy production, renewable energy has surfaced as a pivotal force in the global fight against climate change. As nations...

Intelligent Distribution Solutions: Navigating the Future of Power Distribution with Huawei IDS

In the evolving landscape of power distribution, Intelligent Distribution Solutions (IDS) are at the forefront of revolutionizing how energy networks function. Representing the culmination...

SolCoolDry: Using Solar Energy to Improve Food Security in Rural Africa

The SolCoolDry project is aimed at addressing the challenges faced by fishermen and farmers in rural areas of Africa due to the lack of...

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Scaling Clean Energy in the Middle East: Sungrow’s Strategy, Storage Leadership, and Regional Growth

As renewable energy deployment accelerates across the Middle East, Sungrow continues to strengthen its regional footprint through large-scale solar and energy storage projects. In...

Dr. Hong Soo Goh on Sungrow’s R&D Vision: Advancing Energy Storage, Grid Stability, and Intelligent Power Solutions

At the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, SolarQuarter team spoke with Dr. Hong Soo Goh, a leading expert in PV, energy storage,...

Mauritania Advances Energy Transition with Planned 365 MW Power Plant in Nouakchott

Madkour Holding Group and GoGas Holding have signed a Joint Development Agreement to build a combined-cycle gas-fired power plant in Nouakchott, Mauritania, utilizing natural gas from the Banda-Tevet Gas Field. The project aims to enhance Mauritania's energy infrastructure and regional integration, with electricity generation expected to start by late 2028.

INJAZ Bahrain Headquarters Becomes First Youth Center In MENA To Achieve LEED Gold Certification

INJAZ Bahrain's headquarters has become the first youth center in the MENA region to receive LEED Gold Certification, highlighting Bahrain's dedication to sustainability. The acknowledgment reflects innovations in energy efficiency, water management, and material use. The center will inspire youth to embrace environmental responsibility and serves as a model for sustainable infrastructure development.

Airengy Tech Ltd. to Acquire Six Solar Projects In Poland Worth €23.7 Million, Marking Its First Move Into Income-Generating Energy Assets

Airengy Tech Ltd. has signed binding agreements to acquire six solar projects in Poland, totaling 34 megawatts. Valued at €23.7 million, this marks Airengy's first ownership of revenue-generating assets. The projects include operational and advanced development stages, with a focus on integrating battery storage to enhance revenue stability and profitability.