UAE-based resources investment company Global South Utilities (GSU) has officially commenced construction of a 50-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Sakaï, Central African Republic (CAR), a significant project positioned to expand energy access and accelerate the nation’s clean energy transition.
The solar energy power plant, once completed, is set to provide electricity to more than 300,000 households and offset over 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. To enhance grid stability and ensure a continuous power supply, the facility will also feature a 10 megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of CAR, Pascal Bida Koyagbele, Minister of State for Strategic Investments and Major Works, senior government officials, and GSU leadership.
“For the Central African Republic, this project will play a key role in expanding energy access to communities across the country,” said Ali Alshimmari, Managing Director and CEO of GSU.
“It represents another milestone in our commitment to delivering clean, scalable energy solutions in places often seen as challenging, but which we view as gateways to opportunity and sustainable growth,” adds Alshimmari.
The Sakaï solar plant follows the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the UAE and CAR in March 2025, which aims to strengthen bilateral trade and investment across strategic sectors.
The 50MW solar project forms part of GSU’s expanding portfolio of clean energy projects across Africa. The company last month signed an agreement with the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy in Madagascar to develop a 50 MW solar plant and a 25 MWh battery storage facility in the city of Moramanga.
The company and the Government of Madagascar also agreed to explore additional renewable projects totaling up to 250 MW, supported by a joint feasibility study covering technical, environmental, and economic aspects, according to the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The first projects under the agreement are scheduled for completion within 12 months. The projects are designed to reinforce the Antananarivo interconnected grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. GSU is expecting to sign power purchase agreements with Madagascar’s national utility JIRAMA soon.
