Uganda has hosted a high-level mission of the International Solar Alliance aimed at scaling solar deployment in agriculture, unlocking financing, and strengthening policy frameworks to support clean energy-driven economic transformation.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development convened the mission in Kampala, bringing together senior officials, development partners, private sector players, and delegations from across Africa including Ethiopia, Senegal, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and The Gambia.
Officiating at the opening, Minister of State for Energy Okaasai Sidronius Opolot said energy remains central to Uganda’s long-term development strategy under Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan.
“Uganda is implementing an ambitious transformation agenda anchored in Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan. At the core of this agenda is the Tenfold Growth Strategy, which aims to grow our economy from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040. Reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is the backbone that will drive this transformation,” he said.
He added that solar energy is increasingly becoming a key driver of economic activity, supporting irrigation, agro-processing, cold storage, rural electrification, and job creation.
“Solar energy is not only an environmental solution but a key economic enabler. Through solar technologies, we are powering irrigation, agro-processing, cold storage, rural electrification, and job creation,” he said.
A key outcome of the mission is the signing of a Country Partnership Framework between Uganda and ISA, expected to accelerate implementation by shifting focus from policy commitments to bankable projects and coordinated national programmes.
“The CPF represents a critical shift from policy to implementation, from commitments to bankable projects, and from isolated initiatives to coordinated national programs,” Okaasai noted.
The framework is expected to unlock concessional and blended financing, de-risk investments, and support large-scale rollout of solar solutions nationwide.
The mission also marked the launch of the Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) at Busitema University, positioning it as a regional hub for solar skills development and innovation.
“The STAR Centre will build a pipeline of skilled technicians and engineers, support innovation, and serve as a regional hub for clean energy solutions,” the minister said.
According to the 2026 ISA report, global solar investment reached about $521 billion in 2024, but Africa accounts for only around two percent—highlighting a significant gap driven by high financing costs, infrastructure constraints, and perceived market risks.
ISA Director General Ashish Khanna said rising fuel costs make solar an increasingly viable alternative.
“As global fuel prices continue to rise, it is critical that countries scale up solar deployment. Solar energy provides long-term energy security because it is locally available and cost-effective. To put it into perspective, a diesel pump today costs up to four times more than a solar pump,” he said.
He called for targeted financial mechanisms to support adoption, particularly among smallholder farmers.
“Governments need to design smart subsidy frameworks, particularly to support smallholder and marginal farmers. At the same time, there is a need to leverage financial institutions to provide affordable financing solutions,” Khanna added.
From a financing perspective, Elizabeth Kaijuka Okwenje highlighted the role of the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalization Company in channeling subsidies through financial institutions while ensuring quality assurance.
“There are tax exemptions and an enabling policy environment that allows the private sector to operate and invest. Our focus remains on maintaining quality control while keeping the market open and competitive,” she said.
The mission includes field visits to solar water pumping sites in Luweero, Nakasongola, and Kiryandongo districts, grounding discussions in practical implementation.
Officials said the engagement signals a shift toward execution—focusing on scalable delivery models, investable project pipelines, and measurable outcomes—while positioning Uganda as a regional hub for clean energy investment and collaboration.