The African Union Commission and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) have strengthened their partnership to accelerate Africa’s clean energy transition through a new Joint Declaration that establishes a broader framework for cooperation on solar energy development across the continent.
The declaration was signed in Victoria Falls at the conclusion of the 8th Meeting of the ISA Regional Committee for the Africa Region. It was signed by H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy of the African Union Commission, and Dr Ashish Khanna, Director General of the International Solar Alliance.
The agreement strengthens cooperation between the two institutions at a time when 48 African countries are already members of the International Solar Alliance.
The partnership brings together the ISA’s four pillars—catalytic finance, capability and digitisation, country engagement, and technology policy—with the African Union’s continental energy architecture. This includes the African Single Electricity Market, the Continental Power Systems Master Plan and the Solar Energy Policy Framework adopted by African Heads of State and Government.
The joint agenda will focus on several priorities, including mobilising blended finance for solar investments, developing African manufacturing ecosystems for solar components, and expanding the use of solar technologies in agriculture, healthcare and education.
The partnership will also prioritise strengthening technical skills through the Solar Technology Application Resource Centres, helping to build the local capabilities required to support Africa’s growing solar energy sector.
With the declaration now signed, the two institutions are moving towards implementation. The African Union’s Infrastructure and Energy Department is expected to work with Member States and the ISA to prepare bankable solar projects, attract investment and monitor implementation outcomes.
Ultimately, the focus will be on achieving measurable results, including expanding electricity connections and increasing the megawatts of solar capacity delivered across African countries.
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