The renewable energy sector across the Middle East and Africa is gaining momentum, with several landmark agreements, partnerships, and project announcements highlighting the region’s accelerating transition toward sustainable power generation. From Saudi Arabia’s multi-billion-dollar solar partnerships with Chinese developers to strategic collaborations in African mining and grid expansion, the sector’s growth trajectory continues to strengthen.
Saudi Arabia Signs $4.4 Billion in Renewable Energy Deals with Chinese Firms
Two of China’s largest state-backed engineering companies have secured major contracts in Saudi Arabia, underscoring deepening energy cooperation between the two nations.
Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA) announced it has signed contracts with Saudi Arabia’s Afif Renewable Energy Company for the Saudi Afif 1 and Saudi Afif 2 photovoltaic (PV) projects, worth RMB 5.84 billion ($821 million) and RMB 5.87 billion ($825 million) respectively. Combined, the projects represent 2 GW of installed solar PV capacity and will include the construction of 33/132 kV power plant booster stations and 132 kV transmission lines, among other supporting infrastructure.
The POWERCHINA consortium includes Sinohydro International Engineering Co., POWERCHINA Huadong Engineering & Research Institute, and POWERCHINA Group, marking one of the largest Chinese EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) involvements in Saudi renewables to date.
Meanwhile, China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited (CEEC) said its subsidiaries have entered into three new EPC contracts with a project company jointly owned by ACWA Power, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Saudi Aramco. The contracts, valued at RMB 19.55 billion ($2.74 billion), cover the development of the 2 GW PIF VI Khulis PV Project, as well as 3 GW of wind power projects (2 GW + 1 GW).
The participating CEEC subsidiaries include China Energy International Group, Guangdong Thermal Power Engineering, and Northwest Electric Power Design Institute, all contributing to Saudi Arabia’s drive toward a diversified, low-carbon energy mix aligned with Vision 2030.
IFC and Voltalia Partner to Decarbonize African Mining Operations
In Africa, French renewable energy firm Voltalia has teamed up with the International Finance Corporation (IFC)—part of the World Bank Group—to accelerate renewable energy deployment across the mining sector.
The partnership will focus on identifying and developing Power-to-Mine (PtM) projects that integrate solar, wind, and battery storage systems to replace fossil fuel dependency in mining operations. The collaboration also aims to expand corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) that provide stable, clean electricity for industrial users.
The initiative directly supports the Mission 300 goal, spearheaded by the World Bank and African Development Bank, to extend energy access to 300 million Africans by 2030. Voltalia and IFC plan to prioritize short- to medium-term renewable infrastructure rollouts in selected African nations, targeting rapid decarbonization in one of the continent’s most energy-intensive industries.
AXIAN Energy Expands into Zambia with Bangweulu Solar Acquisition
AXIAN Energy, a pan-African renewable energy company, has officially entered Zambia’s power market through the acquisition of the 54.3 MW Bangweulu Solar PV plant in the Kafue District.
The project, developed under the World Bank’s Scaling Solar program and financed by both IFC and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), produces approximately 87 GWh of clean power annually—enough to supply electricity to around 82,500 households.
Completed on October 16, 2025, the transaction makes AXIAN Energy the majority shareholder with 85.6% ownership, while Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) retains a 14.4% stake. The acquisition underscores AXIAN’s strategy to expand its renewable footprint across sub-Saharan Africa, complementing existing projects in Madagascar and Senegal.
Scatec’s Release Expands Solar Leasing Model in West Africa
Norway-based Scatec ASA continues to grow its flexible solar leasing business, Release by Scatec, signing new agreements in Liberia and Sierra Leone totaling 64 MW of solar capacity and 10 MWh of battery storage.
In Liberia, Release will construct a 24 MW solar-plus-storage facility for the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) under a 15-year lease, while in Sierra Leone it will deliver a 40 MW solar plant for the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) and the Ministry of Energy.
Both projects, supported by IFC financing, aim to replace costly diesel-based generation, enhance grid stability, and foster economic growth. Scatec noted these will be the first installations to use its newly developed solar panel mounting structure, engineered by its South African team. Release is 68% owned by Scatec and 32% by Climate Fund Managers.
Sterling & Wilson Secures $202 Million in New Solar Contracts
India’s Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Limited (SWREL) has announced three new solar EPC contracts worth a combined INR 17.72 billion ($202 million) across India and Africa.
The projects include a 115 MW solar farm in South Africa valued at $120 million, alongside two large-scale installations in India—363 MW DC in Rajasthan and 580 MW DC in Uttar Pradesh.
SWREL also confirmed two additional South African projects currently under construction, scheduled for completion in Q1 FY2027, as the company expands its international presence and solidifies its position as a key EPC player in emerging markets.
As solar PV investments surge across the Middle East and Africa, these strategic developments highlight an ongoing shift toward renewable-led growth—one that is increasingly shaped by cross-border collaboration, innovative financing, and technology partnerships between public institutions and private sector leaders.
