Mauritius Becomes First African Nation to Join ISA Partnership

Mauritius Becomes First African Country To Sign ISA’s Partnership Framework

By Chitrika Grover/ Updated On Fri, Apr 11th, 2025

Highlights :

The CPF’s recent framework outlined plans to establish a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) in Mauritius

Mauritius Becomes First African Country To Sign ISA’s Partnership Framework

Mauritius has become the first African country to sign a Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a step forward in its clean energy transition. The island nation is the fourth globally, after Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Cuba, to formalize the framework.

The CPF is developed by the ISA to promote medium- and long-term cooperation with member countries. The agreement aims to support Mauritius in expanding its solar energy portfolio in line with national priorities. “The CPF will lead to the development of a tailored country partnership strategy for Mauritius, focusing on scaling solar technologies such as floating solar, rooftop systems, and solar-powered water pumps,” said Ashish Khanna, Director General of ISA.

The framework was signed in Port Louis by Barakat Ahmed of ISA and Zeenat Guness-Goolbar, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities. ISA also acknowledged Energy Minister Patrick Assirvaden for his support of the country’s clean energy goals.

Focus Area

The CPF’s recent framework outlined plans to establish a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) in Mauritius. The framework signing took place alongside the Global SolarX Accelerator event, which brought together 35 startups from Africa and Asia-Pacific to support innovation and market access. Mauritius previously partnered with ISA under its CARES initiative to solarise the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, reducing energy costs and boosting sustainability in healthcare.

“This is the first CPF signed by ISA in Africa, and we are proud to lead on the continent,” said Guness-Goolbar. “We look forward to strengthening this partnership.” Khanna added, “The CPF is a strategic yet flexible tool that supports Member Countries with tailored solar roadmaps and investment frameworks. It enables real impact through public-private collaboration.”