BANGUI, Central African Republic — The Central African Republic has reached a major milestone in its energy sector with the completion of a 50-megawatt solar power plant at Sakaï, near the capital Bangui.

The project, developed by UAE-based Global South Utilities, includes more than 80,000 solar panels and a 15MWh battery energy-storage system. It is expected to provide electricity to more than 300,000 households and strengthen the country's power supply.

The new facility is particularly significant for a country where limited electricity access has constrained households, businesses and essential public services.

According to project information, the solar development is expected to increase the Central African Republic’s national electricity-generation capacity by more than 60%, while reducing carbon emissions by more than 50,000 tonnes annually.

The additional electricity could support healthcare facilities, schools, businesses and public services, while potentially reducing dependence on expensive diesel-based generation.

President Faustin-Archange Touadéra attended the inauguration alongside UAE representatives and senior officials, highlighting the importance placed on the project by the Central African government.

The Sakaï project marks one of the most significant recent infrastructure developments in the Central African Republic and could reshape the country’s electricity outlook as demand for reliable power continues to grow.