African Nations Seek Investment and Technology from India for Solar Energy

African nations seek to strengthen cooperation with India through technology exchange, investment, and capacity building in the solar energy sector. Speaking with ANI on the sidelines of the Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026, Zimbabwe's Minister of Energy and Power Development July Moyo and Liberia's Deputy Minister of Energy Charles Umeh highlighted the possibilities of India-Africa cooperation in expanding renewable energy infrastructure.

Zimbabwean Minister July Moyo stated that his country aims to increase the share of non-fossil fuel energy in power generation to 49 per cent by 2030, which is currently below 20 per cent. He clarified that this target would include hydropower, which already contributes approximately 35 per cent to the country's power generation, but the majority of the additional capacity would come from solar energy.

Moyo said, “We want to increase non-fossil fuel energy from the current very low level of 20 per cent to 49 per cent.” He added that this expansion would include hydropower and would be achieved “largely” through solar energy.

Zimbabwe has signed three agreements with the International Solar Alliance (ISA). These agreements aim to increase community awareness and training, support solar innovation research at Chinhoyi University of Technology, and encourage the use of solar energy in the agricultural sector.

Emphasising India's strengths in the renewable energy sector, Moyo said that India has developed significant capabilities in solar production and grid management. He noted, “From industrial production to the use of AI so that the national grid can accommodate solar energy, India is very advanced in the solar energy ecosystem.”

However, he emphasised that renewable energy should act as a supplement to traditional sources rather than replacing them entirely. Mentioning the limitations of battery storage and the impact of climate change on hydropower production, he said, “Solar and other renewable energy should be an expansion rather than a replacement.”

On the other hand, Liberia seeks to attract Indian investment to increase its solar energy capacity. Charles Umeh stated that Liberia has operationalised its first 20 megawatt (MW) utility-scale solar photovoltaic project. They are now encouraging Indian companies to participate in future projects through the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model.

To attract investors, Liberia is offering duty-free privileges on renewable energy and solar photovoltaic products. Umeh said, “This is a great opportunity where Indian companies can come and explore Liberia. And yes, Liberia is open for business.”

Identifying financial accessibility as a major challenge for renewable energy developers, he stated that Liberia is encouraging Independent Power Producers who possess the financial capacity to invest in this sector.