India has committed $25 million towards a proposed $200 million African Solar Facility designed to attract investment into distributed renewable energy projects across the continent.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, by India’s Minister of New and Renewable Energy and President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Pralhad Joshi, during a press briefing at the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo in New Delhi.

The facility is expected to help unlock capital for solar projects serving underserved communities, particularly in areas where access to reliable electricity remains a challenge. By supporting distributed renewable energy development, the initiative aims to improve access to affordable solar power across African countries.

Joshi also referenced Nigeria’s $300 million Distributed Renewable Energy Fund as an example of how financing can be mobilised to expand renewable energy projects. The fund, managed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority in partnership with Africa50, focuses on supporting mini-grids, standalone solar systems and other distributed renewable energy solutions.

Beyond financing, India is also looking to extend its experience in solar-powered agriculture to African countries. Through the International Solar Alliance, the country plans to adapt its PM-KUSUM programme, which supports farmers through solar-powered irrigation and other agricultural energy solutions.

India has already empowered approximately three million farmers through its domestic solar initiatives, and the proposed expansion could provide African farmers with opportunities to reduce energy costs, improve agricultural productivity and access more reliable power.

The country is also advancing solar and energy storage projects in small island developing states, with Mauritius identified as an initial focus following previous initiatives in countries including Fiji, Comoros and Seychelles.

India’s commitment comes as it secures a third consecutive term as President of the International Solar Alliance, a 130-member international organisation established to accelerate solar energy deployment and cooperation among member countries.

While the $25 million commitment represents a significant contribution towards the proposed facility, the broader $200 million target will require additional capital to reach its intended size. The next major step will be translating the funding commitment into bankable projects, financing arrangements and actual solar installations across African communities.

For Africa, the initiative presents another opportunity to attract international capital into its renewable energy sector, where financing remains essential to expanding electricity access and accelerating the transition to cleaner power.