It is part of a wider effort by Egypt to become a hub for green energy in Africa and the Middle East.

The project will cover 200,000 square metres and be built in two stages.

The first phase will produce two gigawatts of solar cells and modules each year, while the second will focus on making raw materials like silicon ingots and wafers and increasing overall output.

The complex is expected to create more than 1,800 direct jobs, with many more expected through related services.

Officials say it will help Egypt develop advanced manufacturing skills and support local industry.

At the launch ceremony, key Egyptian and Chinese officials praised the project’s role in building stronger industrial ties.

Waleid Gamal El-Dien, Chairman of SCZONE, said , “This project represents a significant step forward in localising advanced industries in Egypt and enhancing industrial integration in clean energy.”

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Industry Minister Kamel El-Wazir also attended the event, which was seen as a sign of Egypt’s strong support for green technology .

He Fei, managing director of Sunrev Solar, said Egypt was chosen for its commitment to renewable energy. “We are bringing to Egypt our most advanced technologies in solar energy,” he said.

The project is part of growing energy cooperation between the two nations and follows a visit by Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to Djibouti in April.

It is being developed with support from Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy and financed by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development.

Djibouti’s Ministry of Energy is also leading on the project, which will be executed with technical input from Egypt’s Arab Organization for Industrialisation.

Senior officials from both governments attended the event , including Djibouti’s Minister of Energy Younis Ali Gedi and Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Electricity, Major General Mohamed Osama Issa.

They described the project as a symbol of growing ties and shared goals between the two countries.

Egyptian and Djiboutian officials say the solar plant will help improve access to clean energy in the region and support Djibouti’s wider plans to modernise its national power grid.

The two governments are also discussing further cooperation in wind energy development, particularly in the Ghoubet region.

The project was started by explorer Mohammad Fohaid Al-Sohaiman Al-Rammali to stop people from dying of thirst in the desert, even when water is nearby.

The beacons are simple to use, do not rely on GPS or electronic devices, and need little maintenance.

Eleven beacons have been installed so far, but with support from the government, the project is expected to expand with more than 100 beacons planned for the Hail and Jouf regions.

Speaking about the project, Al-Rammali said, “This can save lives and bring peace of mind to travellers in the desert.”

The initiative aims to prevent tragedies in the vast desert, where travellers can easily get lost. The beacons provide a clear and reliable guide, making the desert safer for all.

The Philippines government has fast-tracked the development of the "world's largest" solar and storage project, with a capacity of 3,500MW of solar PV and a 4,500MWh battery energy storage system. The project, being developed by Terra Solar Philippines, Inc., has received a green lane certificate from the Board of Investments, allowing it to proceed at a quicker pace. According to Energy Project News , the project is expected to cost PHP185 billion (US$3.2 billion) and span 3,500 hectares of land in Bulacan and Nueva Ecija provinces. The certificate is hoped to help the project reach commercial operations by 2026 and 2027.

Paris Olympics

Philippines celebrates Olympic gymnast Carlos Yulo's victory with a parade in Manila. Yulo won two gold medals, bringing the country's total Olympic gold medal haul to three. His success has inspired hope for many Filipinos. Yulo overcame obstacles and trained in Japan to pursue his gymnastics dream. President Marcos met the athletes and awarded Yulo with a presidential citation and a significant cash reward, along with other gifts and offers of support, Gulf News reported.

Foreign Direct Investment

FDIs in the Philippines fell to a 16-month low in May 2024, due to high inflation and geopolitical tensions. Despite the decline, the five-month FDI net inflows grew by 15.8 per cent year-on-year. Factors such as global economic uncertainties and regional competition may have contributed to the potential slowdown. Realizing the projected $9.5-billion FDI net inflow for 2024 will require sustained investor confidence and a favourable economic climate. The report also indicated a decline in equity capital placements, but a bright spot in intercompany borrowings between multinational firms and their Philippine units, Asia News reported.

Oil spillage

The Philippines has started transferring 1.4 million litres of industrial fuel oil from a sunken tanker off Manila Bay to prevent an environmental disaster. The tanker sank on July 25 and it took three weeks to control the spillage. The release of the cargo was warned to cause an environmental catastrophe and fishing zones have been affected, media agency Hindustan Times reported. The country has experienced a devastating oil spill in the past, causing contamination of waters and beaches.

Consumer Electronics

VS Industry's subsidiary in the Philippines has secured RM1.5bil in new orders to manufacture consumer electronics products for a key customer. The expected revenue contribution for FY25 and FY26 is RM0.3bil and RM1.2bil respectively. This development is expected to strengthen the company's earnings and geographical exposure, according to reports by media agency The Star .

Saudi Arabia is poised to boost its solar energy capacity by 5,500 megawatts, having inked three pivotal agreements through its main purchasing entity. The agreements, aimed at expanding the use of renewable energy sources, were cemented by the Saudi Power Procurement Co., which secured power purchase contracts for three novel solar photovoltaic initiatives alongside ACWA Power Co., Badeel—owned by the Public Investment Fund—and Aramco Power. According to Arab News , this development is in line with the National Renewable Energy Programme's goal to fulfil the Kingdom's ambition of deriving 50 of its energy from renewable sources by the decade's end, thereby diminishing reliance on liquid fuels and contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030's energy sector goals.

Hajj services praised

India's envoy to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, has commended the Kingdom for the exceptional services rendered to pilgrims in the current Hajj season. Having participated in the Hajj himself and assisted Indian pilgrims, Khan expressed to Arab News his appreciation for the support provided during the pilgrimage, reports Arab News. “We work closely with the Saudi Health Ministry and other authorities to provide our pilgrims the best medical services. We are thankful for all the cooperation we receive from the Saudi authorities in this regard. Saudi authorities are also deploying huge resources in helping the pilgrims of all nationalities with medical emergencies and other medical issues,” he said.

Saudi pavilion inaugurated

On Wednesday, June 26, Saudi Arabia proudly unveiled its pavilion, taking centre stage as the guest of honour at the 2024 Seoul International Book Fair, scheduled for June 26-30, as per the Saudi Press Agency. The event, hosted at the Convention and Exhibition Complex in southern Seoul, marks the 66th iteration of the SIBF and is a tribute to Saudi culture. As reported by Arab News , the Kingdom's pavilion is set to showcase the diverse elements of its cultural legacy. An immersive experience, orchestrated by the Ministry of Culture's Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission and supported by various authorities and commissions, will present the richness of Saudi cultural facets to the attendees.

Efforts to eradicate drug-trafficking

Saudi Arabia has intensified its efforts to eradicate drug use and crack down on the trafficking and funding of illegal drugs. Colonel Omar bin Aida Al-Talhi, Commander of the National Center for Security Operations, stated that the initiative's objective is to "eradicate" drug use and "safeguard society and its younger members from their impact." This declaration was made in alignment with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, established by the UN in 1987 and observed every year on June 26, reports Arab News . World Anti-Drug Day, as the event is commonly known, was “an important day that emphasizes the harm of drugs and their impact on nations, societies and individuals, which requires fighting them in various ways and taking the initiative to report smugglers and dealers,” Al-Talhi said.

Renewable energy project

Saudi Arabia has launched a major geographical survey to identify suitable sites for renewable energy projects across the country. The project is part of the National Renewable Energy Programme and will cover all regions of Saudi Arabia, excluding populated and airspace-restricted areas and dunes. The survey will involve the installation of 1,200 stations to measure solar and wind energy and will use artificial intelligence systems to assess and rank sites for suitability. The aim is to tender new renewables projects with a capacity of 20GW annually starting from 2024, to reach between 100GW and 130GW by 2030. Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia revealed the qualified bidders for the fifth round of 3.7GW solar projects under the National Renewable Energy Programme, according to PV Tech .

Additionally, the Global Centre on Adaptations reports that by the year 2050, the yearly expenditure required for Africa's climate adaptation will amount to US$50 billion. Presently, Africa is allocated US$19.5 billion annually in overall climate financing.

The intensity of the crisis makes it imperative now more than ever for global leaders to take swift and decisive action to weaken its consequences.

Here are a few African countries that are leading the charge in the global efforts to combat the climate crisis and create a more sustainable future:

Mozambique

Mozambique is at the forefront of tackling the climate crisis with its i nnovative programme , Improving Local Climate Resilience in Mozambique (MERCIM). This groundbreaking initiative empowers local governments to deliver climate-resilient essential services to communities and make informed decisions guided by local expertise. The programme's impact was evident in 2023, as Mozambique faced the second landfall of Cyclone Freddy. By enhancing local governments' preparedness and response capabilities, MERCIM played a crucial role in lessening the disaster's effects, alongside other strategic policies and actions. Notably, the United Nations Capital Development Fund observed a significant reduction in the number of fatalities and displaced individuals compared to previous cyclones of similar intensity, demonstrating the programme's tangible success.

Kenya

Kenya took a significant step towards a sustainable future in 2020 with the launch of the Kenya National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy. This comprehensive roadmap is driving the country's green transformation and prioritising energy efficiency to enhance the quality of life for its citizens. The strategy outlines a clear path to achieve its ambitious energy efficiency goals, including a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. By implementing this strategy, Kenya aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, reduce climate change, and improve the overall well-being of its population. This forward-thinking approach positions Kenya as a leader in Africa's clean energy transition.

Rwanda

Rwanda has pioneered the fight against plastic waste since 2008 when it implemented a nationwide ban on plastic bags. The impact has been remarkable, with the country earning a reputation as the cleanest in Africa. But that's not all - the ban has also had a significant positive impact on the environment. By eliminating plastic bags, Rwanda has reduced the amount of plastic waste that contributes to flooding, crop damage, and other environmental problems. The ban is so effective that those caught smuggling plastic bags into the country can face serious consequences, including jail time.

Morocco

Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower account for an impressive 33% of Morocco's electricity capacity. With its abundant natural resources, the country has immense potential for renewable energy production, positioning it as a leader in the African continent's clean energy transition. This commitment to sustainability is not new; in 2009, Morocco set an ambitious target of achieving 42% renewable power by 2020. Although the goal was not fully met, the country has continued to push forward, setting a new target of 52% renewable electricity by 2030 in 2021.

Nigeria

Africa's most populous country, Nigeria has taken a significant step towards a sustainable energy future by establishing a comprehensive renewable energy policy. This policy aims to increase the country's reliance on clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Additionally, it is exploring its wind power potential with projects like the 10 MW Katsina Wind Farm and the 50 MW Kaduna Wind Farm. In a recent development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed all government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles, further demonstrating Nigeria's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing cleaner energy sources.

Teraco's CEO, Jan Hnizdo, outlined the company's ambitious goal, stating, "The plan is to get all of our power from renewable energy sources by 2035." South Africa grapples with daily power outages, with homes and businesses experiencing more than 10 hours without electricity. In response to this challenge, companies, including Teraco, are investing in their own generation facilities. “Over the past two years, our uptime has been 100%, but grid availability has been around 15% and at some sites at about 20%. So we needed to supplement that with diesel, and it’s a huge cost. I can tell you it costs millions of rands in a month. It’s a huge cost to us,” he told IT Web .

The solar plant is expected to provide eight hours of daily power supply, acting as a supplement to power from Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. Teraco anticipates a reduction in the state-owned power utility's coal dependency from 85% to 60% over the next three years, thanks to the increasing presence of independent power producers, BNN Bloomberg reports.

The negotiations to secure agreements with the South African government and Eskom to connect to the grid spanned approximately three years. Teraco's renewable energy facilities are slated to come online within the next three years, signalling a transformative step towards sustainable and resilient power solutions in South Africa.

These facilities are expected to not only power Teraco's data operations but also address the challenges posed by frequent blackouts in the SADC nation.

Despite the phasing out of national subsidies in 2020 and 2021, China's deployment of onshore wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) projects is on the rise. This surge is attributed to the economic attractiveness of these technologies, coupled with supportive policy environments offering long-term contracts.

Experts predict that China will reach its national 2030 target for wind and solar PV installations this year, underscoring the country's commitment to sustainable energy solutions, the report highlighted.

“Renewable electricity capacity additions reached an estimated 507 GW in 2023, almost 50% higher than in 2022, with continuous policy support in more than 130 countries spurring a significant change in the global growth trend. This worldwide acceleration in 2023 was driven mainly by year-on-year expansion in the People’s Republic of China’s (hereafter “China”) booming market for solar PV (+116%) and wind (+66%),” the IEA report indicated.

China's renewable electricity capacity is projected to triple in the next five years compared to the preceding five years, contributing an unprecedented 56% to global expansion. From 2023 through 2028, China is anticipated to deploy almost four times more renewable capacity than the European Union and five times more than the United States, positioning itself as the unrivalled leader in renewable energy growth.

The growth is underpinned by the Chinese government's commitment to achieving net zero by 2060, supported by incentives outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025). The availability of locally manufactured equipment and access to low-cost financing further contribute to China's robust expansion of renewable power over the forecast period.

Aside from South Africa, Ethiopia anticipates over 6 GW of additional capacity driven by hydropower, while Nigeria is set to add 5 GW through distributed solar PV. Angola and Kenya are expected to contribute over 2 GW each to the region's new renewable capacity, an IEA report projects.

The report further highlights that solar PV and wind sources make up nearly 80% of the new additions across the market, predominantly led by South Africa's influential auction program and the expanding use of industrial and residential solar PVs.

However, with South Africa excluded, the regional forecast experiences a 5% reduction due to the absence of support programs and limited project pipelines. Many countries heavily rely on large-scale hydropower, with Angola, Ethiopia, and Tanzania showcasing significant dependence on hydropower for their renewable energy expansion. 

The report titled ‘Renewables 2023: Analysis and Forecast to 2028’ further notes, amongst others, that “low network capacity is thus a major forecast challenge, as projects may need to wait years for grid connection or may be forced to cancel due to lack of network access.” Thus, accelerating renewable energy capacity growth necessitates investment in new projects and infrastructure development.

The region faces inconsistent policies, off-taker risks, land access issues, and currency fluctuations. The accelerated case suggests that effective policies, coupled with development bank and international aid agency-enabled programs, could yield nearly 30% higher additions than the main case.

To generate viable solutions, the report highlighted collaborative efforts between financiers and governments as crucial to overcoming challenges related to off-taker risks, land access, currency fluctuations, and a lack of enabling infrastructure.

The report further underscores the need for sustained collaboration, infrastructure development, and innovative solutions to overcome hurdles and realize the full potential of renewable energy across the continent.

The report titled ‘Renewables 2023: Analysis and Forecast to 2028 ’ further highlights the significant milestones in achieving this global shift over three to five years, between 2024 and 2028.

In 2024, the report forecasts a historic moment as variable renewable generation outpaces the traditionally dominant hydropower. This will mark a crucial shift in the energy paradigm, highlighting the increasing demand for diverse renewable sources in the global power mix.

Later in 2025, renewable energy is set to surpass coal-fired electricity generation. This shift reflects a substantial stride towards sustainable energy practices, emphasising the global commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Continuing in the same year, wind energy is projected to outperform nuclear electricity generation. This underlines the growing significance of wind power as a major contributor to the world's energy needs.

In 2026, the solar photovoltaic (PV) sector is expected to achieve a significant milestone by surpassing nuclear electricity generation. The increasing efficiency and affordability of solar technology play a significant role in this transformative shift toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

The IEA projects a conclusion to the shift in 2028, as solar PV is projected to overtake wind electricity generation. This milestone emphasises the accelerating growth and widespread adoption of solar power in the global energy landscape. Solar PV is a non-mechanical device designed to directly convert sunlight into electricity.

The report reads in part, “Over the forecast period, potential renewable electricity generation growth exceeds global demand growth, indicating a slow decline in coal-based generation while natural gas remains stable. In 2028, renewable energy sources will account for 42% of global electricity generation, with wind and solar PV making up 25%. In 2028, hydropower will remain the largest renewable electricity source. While renewables are currently the largest energy source for electricity generation in 57 countries, mostly thanks to hydropower, these countries represent just 14% of global power demand. By 2028, 68 countries will have renewables as their main power generation source, but they still only account for 17% of global demand.”

With nations increasingly adopting renewable energy policies and working towards achieving these milestones, the renewable energy revolution is set to leave a mark on the history of global power generation.

The floating solar power plant represents a novel method of deploying photovoltaic modules on the lake, thus preserving the land for other projects.

It forms part of a US $48 million 250 megawatts project on both land and water which will provide electricity to about 59,230 households.

The novelty of this project is that it is expected to be expanded to 65 megawatts making it the largest floating solar park in Africa. Small floating power plants have been built in South Africa, Kenya, Burundi, and Tunisia.

Ghana is targeting to achieve 10 percent renewable energy penetration by the year 2030 hence the initiation of this project. Deputy Director of Renewable Energy at the Bui Power Authority, Peter Acheampong said “We are done with the 5 megawatts, what you see behind me is generating power. We are currently undergoing what we call a pre-commissioning test to ensure all the components are working.”

Acheampong also confirmed the plans to scale up the floating solar. “There are plans to scale up the floating solar to about 65 megawatts. At BPA, we do not just scale up, but our scaling up depends on what we call the renewable master plan for the country,” he noted.

The BPA has already made significant strides in the renewable energy sector. Their solar farm, which began operations in November 2020, currently generates 50 megawatts of power.

This solar farm has been successfully integrated into Ghana’s National Interconnected Transmission System (NITS), facilitating the distribution of clean energy across the country.

A lecturer at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Ing. Professor Samuel Gyamfi on his part said the country will be able to achieve its target by 2030 if the right policies are put in place.

“We can achieve 10 per cent renewable energy penetration by 2030 if the right policies are put in place by the government,” he said

Ing. Professor Gyamfi added that “climate change is becoming a challenge. The earlier we embrace renewable energy the better it will be for us as individuals and country.”

The introduction of another solar power plant in this country makes it a second win for the Central African Republic in its journey towards energy self-sufficiency.

According to local news outlet La Nouvelle Tribune , the solar power plant is located on the outskirts of the country’s capital Bangui.

The plant is built with modern standards and was built in collaboration with foreign experts.

The president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra who inaugurated the new plant underscored the importance of improving the economic and social development of the country whilst fighting poverty and dependence.

Investors including the World Bank contributed massively to the completion of this project, La Nouvelle Tribune reports.

Master Sergeant Renita Rismayanti with the Central African Republic Police is set to receive the 2023 United Nations Policewoman of the Year Award on November 16. At 27, she is the youngest recipient of the award, recognized for her role in developing a crime database that enhances local security operations, according to local news media Abangui . She is an Indonesian citizen but working with the Central African Republic Police.

GBV victims

Gender-based violence (GBV) victims demand new legal provisions. The request was made right after a bill addressing the needs of gender-based violence (GBV) victims was validated on November 11, 2023, by the Central African Republic. Victims have called for the inclusion of measures such as criminalizing forced marriages and enhancing the Joint Unit for Intervention against Violence, Radio Ndeke Luka reported. The initiative aligns with the government's rule-of-law restoration policy.

Solar field

Central African Republic has completed the construction of its Danzi solar field. The project, long-awaited by the Central African people, aims to provide electricity to the capital Bangui, and its surroundings in fulfilment of the Head of State's promise. With a new capacity of 25 MW, financed by the World Bank, the solar field is set to significantly increase electricity access in the Central African Republic, reports local news media Central African Press Agency .

Bangui flood

The capital of the Central African Republic flooded following the overflow of the Oubangui River. The Oubangui River's recent surge in levels has already submerged houses and properties have been lost. The victims whose homes are flooded are waiting for humanitarian aid from the government. The authorities have not yet officially commented on the disaster, according to reports from local news media Radio Ndeke Luka .

64 th Independence Anniversary

Central African people prepare to celebrate the 64 th anniversary of the proclamation of the Central African Republic on December 1. Head of Department at the Ministry of the Environment in Bangui, called on the Central African people to mobilize for the celebration. Participants are encouraged to wear decent clothes to enhance the international visibility of the celebration, Central African Press Agency reports.