UAE Firm Builds 50MW Solar Plant to Boost Energy in CAR

UAE-based Global South Utilities (GSU), a company that invests in energy and resources, has begun building a large solar power plant in Sakaï, Central African Republic (CAR). This is an important step for the country, as it will increase access to electricity and support the shift to clean energy.

The project is a 50-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) plant. This means it will use sunlight to create electricity, which is clean and does not pollute the environment. The project also includes a 10 megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which will store energy and make sure electricity is available even when the sun is not shining.

Electricity for Thousands of Homes

Once completed, the Sakaï solar plant will provide electricity to more than 300,000 households in the Central African Republic. This is a huge improvement for the country, where many communities currently have limited access to electricity.

The electricity from this plant will allow families to use lights, refrigerators, and other essential appliances. Schools, hospitals, and businesses will also benefit, improving the quality of life for many people and supporting local development.

Reducing Carbon Emissions

The solar power plant will also help fight climate change. It is expected to reduce over 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year. Carbon dioxide is a harmful gas that contributes to global warming, and replacing electricity from fossil fuels with solar energy is an important step toward a cleaner environment.

By using solar energy, CAR will reduce its reliance on polluting fuels and move toward sustainable, green energy solutions. This project sets an example for other countries in Africa to invest in renewable energy.

Creating Jobs and Skills

The Sakaï solar project will also create new job opportunities. Local workers will be employed in building and operating the solar plant. This will help develop new skills in the renewable energy sector, which is growing worldwide.

Training local people in these new skills means that more communities in CAR can participate in the clean energy economy. The project will also support economic inclusion, helping people earn a livelihood while contributing to sustainable growth in their country.

Government Support and Attendance

The official ceremony to start the project was attended by high-level leaders. Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic, was present, along with Pascal Bida Koyagbele, Minister of State for Strategic Investments and Major Work. Senior government officials and leaders from GSU also joined the event.

This shows strong government support for renewable energy projects. Cooperation between the government and private companies like GSU is crucial for building infrastructure and promoting economic growth.

Statement from GSU CEO

Ali Alshimmari, Managing Director and CEO of GSU, spoke about the importance of the project. He said, “For the Central African Republic, this project will play a key role in expanding energy access to communities across the country. It represents another milestone in our commitment to delivering clean, scalable energy solutions in places that others may see as difficult - but which we view as gateways to opportunity and sustainable growth.”

This highlights the vision of GSU to provide energy solutions in areas that are often overlooked but have great potential for development.

Connection to UAE-CAR Economic Partnership

The Sakaï solar project follows the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the UAE and CAR in March 2025. This agreement aims to strengthen trade and investment between the two countries in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and industry.

Projects like this show how international partnerships can bring practical benefits to countries by creating jobs, improving energy access, and promoting sustainable development.

Part of Africa-Wide Green Energy Growth

The Sakaï solar plant is not the only project by GSU in Africa. The company has several clean energy projects across the continent, reflecting a growing trend of investment in renewable energy. These projects help countries meet their energy needs while reducing environmental impact.

UAE’s commitment to investing in clean energy in Africa demonstrates how countries from the Global South can work together to achieve sustainable development goals.

Long-Term Benefits for CAR

In the long term, the Sakaï solar plant will have many positive effects. It will increase energy reliability, reduce electricity costs, create jobs, and protect the environment. Communities will have better access to electricity for daily life, businesses, and public services.

Local technicians trained during the project can contribute to future energy projects, creating a skilled workforce for CAR. This will help the country develop a self-sustaining renewable energy sector.

The UAE-based GSU’s 50MW solar plant in Sakaï is a significant step for the Central African Republic. It will provide electricity to hundreds of thousands of homes, reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, and strengthen UAE-CAR economic ties.

This project is a clear example of how clean energy investments can transform communities, support economic growth, and protect the environment. It also highlights the importance of partnerships between governments and private companies in achieving sustainable energy goals.