The Central African Republic (CAR), which has one of the worst electricity access rates in the world, is trying to bridge that gap through employing renewable energy technology such as solar power.
To further this aim, construction recently started on a 50MW solar PV power plant in Sakaï which includes a 10MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The plant is expected to supply clean electricity to more than 300,000 households while enhancing grid stability and ensuring continuous power availability.
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Glaring energy access gap in the CAR
Electricity access in CAR remains among the lowest in the world - only around 18% of the population has access.
Rates are significantly higher in urban areas like Bangui, while rural communities face near-total lack of electrification.
The Sakaï solar project is poised to help bridge this gap, providing reliable power to previously underserved communities and contributing to national development objectives.
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In addition to expanding energy availability, the initiative is expected to reduce more than 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
It is also set to create employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector, supporting local skills development and economic inclusion.
Strategic partnership to drive renewable energy project in the CAR
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, Minister of State for Strategic Investments and Major Work Pascal Bida Koyagbele, senior government officials, and leadership from the project developer Global South Utilities (GSU).
"For the Central African Republic, this project will play a key role in expanding energy access to communities across the country," said Ali Alshimmari, GSU Managing Director and CEO.
The project follows the March 2025 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and CAR, designed to deepen bilateral trade and investment.
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Challenges in the country's energy sector
The World Bank has previously noted that CAR's energy infrastructure faces numerous challenges, including: inadequate grid coverage, limited generation capacity, and a lack of reliable service.
The national utility, ENERCA, struggles with financial sustainability, hindering its ability to expand and maintain services, said the World Bank.
To address these issues, the financial institution has initiated several projects aimed at enhancing electricity access.
These include:
- the expansion of the Danzi Solar Power Plant
- construction of mini solar PV plants in Bambari and Berberati, and
- the development of off-grid solar solutions.
Lowest electricity access rates in Africa
- South Sudan: Approximately 5.4% of the population had access to electricity in 2023 (same time-frame for the countries below).
- Burundi: Approximately 11.6%.
- Chad: Approximately 12%.
- Central African Republic: Approximately 17.6%.
- Malawi: Approximately 15.6%. Source: Trading Economics
The World Bank interventions, among others, in the CAR aim to provide electricity to more than a million people by 2027.
