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Describing the operational process, he explained that water is first drawn through a borehole, then passes through multi-media filtration for pre-treatment, before undergoing reverse osmosis. The final stage involves pH correction to guarantee water quality. He emphasized that the plant faces the same operational challenges as any conventional desalination unit, except for a simpler and more reliable energy supply, thanks to solar power.

Extreme weather is menacing Tanzania and Kenya, the two ‘tiger economies’ of East Africa. Kenya and Tanzania are neighboring nations with a combined GDP of $250 billion, yet their economies remain vulnerable. As floods and droughts intensify, the damage to coal and hydroelectric power grids is immense. 

Zambia is part of the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP), a UNDP initiative focused on driving private-sector assessment of solar minigrids. They are doing this by implementing cost-reduction strategies and promoting innovative business models. The AMP is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented in partnership with RMI and the African Development Bank.

Solar energy holds immense potential to transform life in the oasis by effectively harnessing its abundant natural resources. However, this potential can only be realized if stringent regulations are established to prevent misuse, ensuring that the intended benefits are not undermined or reversed.

Access to clean, renewable energy remains one of Africa’s biggest challenges, amid reports that up to 600 million people still lack access to reliable electricity. Yet, Africa has significant potential for renewable energy that can help the continent transition from unclean energy sources like biomass to renewable energy. This transition could shape Africa’s future development, regional stability, and progress amid climate change.

Mini-grids have the potential to transform Zimbabwe's rural communities, providing clean, reliable energy and driving economic growth. With continued investment and support, these initiatives can help bridge the energy access gap and improve the lives of millions of Zimbabweans.

According to studies, solar-powered irrigation systems are expected to become more feasible and efficient with technological advancements, helping expand the transition from diesel to clean solar energy. This transformation could redefine the future of Egyptian agriculture.

The rise in solar panel imports is a continent-wide phenomenon, with 20 countries setting new records in the 12 months to June 2025. Twenty-five countries imported at least 100 MW, up from 15 countries the previous year. If installed, the solar panels imported into Sierra Leone over the last 12 months would generate electricity equivalent to 61 percent of the country's total reported electricity generation in 2023.

India is building up its domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing. With supportive policies, rising domestic demand, and a global push to diversify renewable energy supply chains away from dependence on China, India is working towards solar manufacturing autonomy.

However, buoyed by low-cost solar-powered water pumps—also known as photovoltaic water pumping systems—some innovative small-scale farmers in Zimbabwe are now able to irrigate their crops and eliminate the need for rain-fed agriculture. According to experts, the use of solar energy to power groundwater pumps by farmers in drought-ridden, off-grid regions in Africa and elsewhere has been heralded as potentially revolutionary.

With innovative financing for clean energy like the Ilute solar project, the future looks bright for the expansion of solar energy in Zambia. However, it remains to be seen whether such a financing structure will be replicated in other African countries. Only time will tell.

A recent study reveals that "floating solar photovoltaic systems are rapidly gaining traction due to their potential for higher energy yield and efficiency compared to conventional land-based solar photovoltaic systems.” The technology, studies have indicated, generates 0.6 percent to 4.4 percent more energy and exhibits efficiency improvements ranging from 0.1 percent to 4.45 percent over land-based solar power plants.