BANGUI, August 14, 2026 – Central African Republic has achieved a landmark milestone regarding its energy security after the formal opening of its 50-Megawatts (MW) solar photovoltaic power plant at Sakaï. The project is celebrated as the biggest investment made in infrastructure in the history of the country. Developed by Global South Utilities (GSU) of Abu Dhabi, it will boost the national power generation capacity by more than 60%.
The combination of the solar generation plant with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) allows for a capacity of 50 MW as well as 15 megawatt-hours of storage and is aimed at boosting the stability of the grid and reliability of electricity supply. The power plant is located 10 km from the capital Bangui and its construction, according to the company, was done within 10 months-a remarkable achievement for a plant of that size. Design-wise, it is the equipment that comprised 80,000 solar panels and 156 inverters installed.
A Historic Milestone for the Central African Republic
The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, senior government officials, and representatives of Global South Utilities and its project partners. In his address, Ali Alshimmari, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GSU, described the project as one of historic national importance.
"It is a project of historic national importance that will help shape the future of the Central African Republic," Alshimmari said. "It reflects the power of partnership, the importance of keeping commitments-delivered in 10 months-and a shared belief in a better future for the Central African Republic".
The project is expected to supply clean electricity to more than 300,000 households while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 50,000 tonnes annually. By expanding the national power system on such a significant scale, the Sakaï plant creates the foundation for progress across the broader economy.
Addressing a Critical Energy Gap
The Central African Republic has continuously faced one of the lowest electricity access rates globally. The World Bank reveals that only 18.2 percent of the population had access to electricity as of 2024. This constant problem of power interruptions has posed challenges to the country as the government endeavors to upgrade the infrastructure in the country and boost economic activity. During a meeting with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, in March, the Central African president, Touadéra, discussed his country's energy challenges.
The Sakaï solar project is among the largest recent investments in the energy sector of the Central African Republic that is projected to relieve pressure on the country's outdated electricity grid. With enhanced reliable power supply, hospitals, schools, and other public services will be able to operate seamlessly, while providing added energy to businesses and industries. GSU stated that, apart from this, investment in expanded capacity could help draw in investments and provide immense economic opportunities for the country to develop its energy system better.
Phased Implementation and Regional Impact
According to the authorities in Central African Republic, the plan is being implemented in phases. During his speech at the inauguration ceremony, the Minister of Energy and Water Development of the country, Rufin Benam Beltoungou, explained that the first phase of the project will supply neighborhoods in the third and ninth divisions of Bangui with 15 MW of power before expanding to other areas before December 2027. The step-wise implementation makes it possible for the local population to appreciate the advantages of the project while the grid is being integrated.
According to the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), the Central African Republic now has 92.1 MW of operational solar projects, alongside 43.1 MWh of battery storage capacity. Solar energy already accounts for 43.1 percent of the country's energy mix-the highest share among African nations. The Sakaï plant further cements the country's position as a leader in renewable energy integration on the continent.
Strengthening UAE-CAR Partnership
The project highlights expanding economic ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Central African Republic. The two countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in March 2025 aimed at increasing bilateral trade and investment across several sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and sustainability. The Sakaï solar project is one of the first major initiatives to emerge from this agreement.
Alshimmari credited the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development with providing concessional financing that was instrumental in enabling the delivery of the project. "Every successful infrastructure project begins with a shared vision, but it is partnership that turns that vision into reality," he said. "We thank the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, whose concessional financing was instrumental in enabling the delivery of this project. For GSU, this is another step in building enduring partnerships across Africa and contributing to the continent's long-term economic and social development".
A Growing Regional Footprint
The Sakaï project adds to GSU's growing international energy portfolio, following the successful delivery of a solar project in Chad. The UAE-based company now has projects and partnerships spanning Africa, Central Asia, and South America as it expands investment in large-scale energy infrastructure.
The ceremony has come at a time when the Gulf nations, with the UAE in the lead, are investing heavily in alternative energy and infrastructure projects in Africa, as nations are looking for ways to gain additional sources of power. For the Central African Republic, the Sakaï solar plant is not simply an energy facility. It is the light of hope for a country that seeks to overcome years of energy dearth.
