emirates7 - UAE-based Global South Utilities (GSU), a resources investment company, has officially commenced construction of a 50-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Sakaï, Central African Republic (CAR), marking a significant advancement in the country’s access to electricity and clean energy transition.
The project is expected to provide electricity to over 300,000 households while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 50,000 tons annually. It will also feature a 10-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to improve grid reliability and ensure uninterrupted power supply. Beyond boosting energy access, the initiative is set to jobs in the renewable energy sector, fostering local skills development and promoting economic inclusion.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, Pascal Bida Koyagbele, Minister of State for Strategic Investments and Major Works, other senior government officials, and GSU executives.
“This project will be instrumental in expanding energy access for communities throughout the Central African Republic,” said Ali Alshimmari, GSU’s Managing Director and CEO. “It underscores our commitment to delivering clean, scalable energy solutions in regions often seen as challenging, but which we consider gateways to opportunity and sustainable growth.”
The Sakaï solar initiative follows the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the UAE and CAR in March 2025, aimed at strengthening trade and investment across strategic sectors.
This project is part of GSU’s expanding portfolio of renewable energy ventures across Africa, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to climate-conscious investments and practical economic collaboration with Global South nations.
The project is expected to provide electricity to over 300,000 households while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 50,000 tons annually. It will also feature a 10-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to improve grid reliability and ensure uninterrupted power supply. Beyond boosting energy access, the initiative is set to jobs in the renewable energy sector, fostering local skills development and promoting economic inclusion.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, Pascal Bida Koyagbele, Minister of State for Strategic Investments and Major Works, other senior government officials, and GSU executives.
“This project will be instrumental in expanding energy access for communities throughout the Central African Republic,” said Ali Alshimmari, GSU’s Managing Director and CEO. “It underscores our commitment to delivering clean, scalable energy solutions in regions often seen as challenging, but which we consider gateways to opportunity and sustainable growth.”
The Sakaï solar initiative follows the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the UAE and CAR in March 2025, aimed at strengthening trade and investment across strategic sectors.
This project is part of GSU’s expanding portfolio of renewable energy ventures across Africa, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to climate-conscious investments and practical economic collaboration with Global South nations.