Speakers highlight that nearly 600 million Africans still lack electricity, with the continent consuming only 4 per cent of global energy despite accounting for 17 per cent of the world’s population

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) convened its seventh Regional Committee Meeting for Africa in Accra on Wednesday, bringing together ministers, diplomats, regulators, and development partners to advance solar adoption and energy access across the continent.

Ghana’s Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, who chaired the meeting, underlined that solar expansion was both an environmental necessity and a socio-economic opportunity. “Advancing Africa’s energy transition is central to sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” he said. Ghana and Seychelles currently serve as ISA’s vice presidents in the African region.

Speakers highlighted that nearly 600 million Africans still lack electricity, with the continent consuming only 4 per cent of global energy despite accounting for 17 per cent of the world’s population. UN representative Damilola Ogunbiyi stressed that solar remains the fastest and least-cost route to reach the underserved, urging African governments to unlock tariffs and mobilise domestic capital.

The meeting saw Ghana, Nigeria and The Gambia formalise Country Partnership Frameworks with ISA, targeting solar rooftops, community mini-grids and agricultural applications. ISA also signed a cooperation pact with the African School of Regulation to strengthen solar deployment through regulatory support and knowledge exchange.

Among the announcements was the Africa Solar Facility, managed by Africa50, with catalytic financing of USD 200 million to mobilise private investment. Nigeria’s sovereign wealth authority pledged up to USD 150 million for the initiative.

ISA Director General Ashish Khanna said the alliance’s strategy was to “move from ambition to action” through implementation partnerships, innovative financing, and local capacity building. With 39 member states in Africa, ISA said the focus would remain on equitable access and community-led solar solutions.