Week in Africa: DR Congo Eyes Zambia Interconnector Stake; Zambia Expands Nambala Solar Plant; São Tomé Secures Renewable Energy Funding and More…

The Democratic Republic of Congo is seeking participation in the US$270 million Zambia-Tanzania power interconnector project to strengthen regional electricity trade and grid reliability. The initiative aims to enhance cross-border power transmission, improve energy access, and support Southern Africa’s growing industrial demand while deepening regional integration through strategic electricity infrastructure investments.


Zambia has signed a US$246 million agreement with Sunshare Energy to expand the Nambala Solar PV Plant, reinforcing the country’s clean energy ambitions. The project is expected to significantly increase renewable power generation capacity, support national electrification goals, reduce dependence on hydroelectricity, and improve energy security amid rising electricity demand and climate-related generation challenges.


São Tomé and Príncipe has secured substantial international funding support to accelerate its renewable energy transition and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. The initiative focuses on expanding clean power infrastructure, improving grid resilience, and promoting sustainable economic growth while helping the island nation strengthen energy security and meet long-term climate and decarbonization objectives.


The Solar & Storage Zambia 2026 conference in Lusaka showcased the rapid momentum building within Zambia’s solar and battery storage sector. Industry leaders, developers, policymakers, and investors gathered to discuss energy transition opportunities, grid modernization, financing models, and the growing role of storage technologies in improving electricity reliability and supporting renewable energy integration across the region.


The African Development Bank and Germany have strengthened cooperation to support sustainable railway and transport infrastructure projects across Africa. The partnership aims to improve regional connectivity, facilitate trade, reduce transport emissions, and accelerate economic development through resilient infrastructure investments while supporting Africa’s broader sustainability and climate adaptation goals.


South Africa’s Eskom Holdings reported 341 consecutive days without loadshedding despite ongoing financial pressures and operational challenges. The achievement reflects improved plant performance, enhanced maintenance strategies, and additional generation capacity. However, the utility continues to navigate debt concerns, infrastructure modernization needs, and long-term energy transition requirements within South Africa’s evolving electricity market.


Zambia has commissioned its largest solar power facility as Copperbelt Energy Corporation launched the 60 MW Itimpi Solar PV Park. The project strengthens Zambia’s renewable energy portfolio, supports industrial electricity demand, and contributes to diversification away from hydroelectric dependency while advancing national goals for energy security, sustainable development, and private-sector participation in clean power generation.


Elecmech India has secured an EPC contract for a 30 MW solar power project in Zanzibar, marking another step in East Africa’s renewable energy expansion. The project aims to improve electricity supply reliability, increase clean energy generation, and support Zanzibar’s economic growth while reducing dependence on conventional fossil-fuel-based power generation.


Scatec ASA has partnered with the National Bank of Egypt for an equity stake in Egypt’s 1.1 GW Obelisk solar and battery storage project. The collaboration supports large-scale renewable deployment, energy storage integration, and Egypt’s clean energy ambitions while strengthening investor confidence in the country’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.


Scatec and its partners have advanced Egypt’s Obelisk green hydrogen project through a strategic equity agreement aimed at accelerating development. The initiative positions Egypt as a key regional hub for green hydrogen production while supporting industrial decarbonization, export opportunities, and broader ambitions to become a global supplier of low-carbon energy solutions.


The Millennium Challenge Account inaugurated Africa’s largest off-grid solar park in Angola’s Lobito Corridor, significantly improving electricity access in underserved regions. The project supports rural electrification, economic activity, and sustainable development while showcasing the growing importance of decentralized renewable energy systems in accelerating Africa’s clean energy transition.


South Africa is poised for record growth in renewable energy and battery storage installations in 2026 as new projects gain momentum. Expanding investments in solar, wind, and storage technologies are expected to strengthen grid reliability, reduce energy shortages, attract private-sector capital, and accelerate the country’s transition toward a more diversified and sustainable power system.


IFC and Norfund are investing US$83.2 million to expand solar mini-grid infrastructure across Nigeria, targeting 500,000 new electricity connections. The initiative aims to improve energy access in underserved communities, stimulate local economic development, support productive energy use, and accelerate deployment of decentralized renewable energy solutions throughout the country.


Madagascar’s state utility JIRAMA has launched 46 solar projects expected to deliver a combined 932 MW clean power boost. The initiative aims to strengthen national electricity supply, reduce fuel import dependence, improve grid stability, and expand access to affordable renewable energy while supporting the country’s broader economic and sustainability objectives.


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