New Delhi: In a landmark achievement for renewable energy in Africa, Mauritius has etched its name in history as the first African nation to sign the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on April 10, 2025. This pioneering agreement signals Mauritius’s bold commitment to a sustainable energy future, positioning it as a beacon of solar innovation in Africa. From the intricacies of the CPF to its potential to reshape the continent’s energy landscape, this article explores every facet of this transformative milestone.
The CPF: A Blueprint for Solar-Powered Progress
The Country Partnership Framework is a cornerstone of the ISA’s mission to deepen collaboration with its member nations. Unlike short-term projects, the CPF offers a strategic, long-term plan to embed solar energy into a country’s development agenda. For Mauritius, this three-year pact—extendable with mutual agreement—lays the foundation for a customized Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) tailored to its unique energy needs.
The CPS will focus on several critical areas:
- Crafting solar energy roadmaps to guide policy and attract investment.
- Establishing regulations to streamline the adoption of solar technologies.
- Enhancing expertise in technical, financial, and regulatory domains.
- Promoting innovative solar solutions, including rooftop panels, floating solar farms, agrivoltaic systems, solar-powered water pumps, and green hydrogen initiatives.
“This agreement is a milestone for Mauritius and Africa,” said Patrick Assirvaden, Mauritius’s Minister of Energy and Public Utilities. “By partnering with the ISA, we’re accelerating our journey toward clean energy and inspiring others to follow.”
Mauritius’s Trailblazing Role in Africa
By signing the CPF, Mauritius joins an elite group of nations—Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Cuba—as the fourth country globally to embrace this framework. Its distinction as Africa’s first adopter carries profound weight. With millions across the continent grappling with unreliable electricity, Mauritius’s proactive stance offers a model for harnessing solar power to bridge energy gaps.
The signing took place in Port Louis, where Barakat Ahmed, the ISA’s Regional Programmes Head for Africa, and Mauritian officials formalized the partnership. The event capped a week of solar-focused activities, including the Global SolarX Accelerator Programme, which spotlighted 35 startups from the ISA’s SolarX Startup Challenge, a platform fostering solar entrepreneurship since 2022.
“Mauritius is charting a bold path,” said Ashish Khanna, ISA Director General. “This partnership will unlock private investment and cutting-edge technologies, from solar ferries to floating panels, tailored to Mauritius’s needs.”
Inside the International Solar Alliance
Founded in 2015 by India and France during the COP21 Summit in Paris, the ISA is a global coalition dedicated to making solar energy a cornerstone of sustainable development. Based in Gurugram, Haryana, the ISA boasts 104 member countries (as of March 2025) that have fully endorsed its framework.
The ISA’s vision is driven by its “Towards 1000” strategy, aiming by 2030 to:
- Secure USD 1,000 billion in solar energy investments.
- Connect 1,000 million people to clean energy.
- Deploy 1,000 gigawatts of solar capacity.
- Cut 1,000 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
To realize these ambitions, the ISA has rolled out dynamic programs:
- SolarX Startup Challenge: Fuels innovation by offering startups grants and mentorship.
- STAR-C Initiative: Strengthens institutional and technical capacity for solar projects.
- Global Solar Facility: A fund to de-risk solar investments and spur growth.
- Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre: Pioneers solar-driven hydrogen solutions.
India’s Pivotal Role and Support for Mauritius
As a co-founder, India is a driving force behind the ISA’s global impact. Through initiatives like One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG), India is championing interconnected solar energy systems worldwide. It also provides substantial support to member nations, particularly in Africa and Asia, with an annual contribution of Rs. 100 crore to advance clean energy transitions.
In Mauritius, India’s influence is evident in projects like the solarization of Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, a flagship effort under the ISA CARES Initiative. This program targets renewable energy solutions for healthcare facilities in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), showcasing India’s commitment to vulnerable regions.
Transforming Healthcare with Solar Power
The Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, built in 1984 with Indian aid, stands as a symbol of Mauritius-India collaboration. In June 2024, it became a shining example of solar innovation when the ISA CARES Initiative installed photovoltaic panels to power its operations. Previously, the hospital consumed 141,846 units of electricity monthly, costing 1.2 million Mauritian rupees. Now, with the capacity to generate 3,200 units per hour, it has slashed energy expenses dramatically.
These savings are a lifeline for the hospital, enabling investments in advanced medical equipment, better patient care, and sustainable operations. “This project shows what’s possible when we combine solar energy with social impact,” said Khanna. “It’s a blueprint for healthcare facilities across the region.”
Solar Innovations on the Horizon
The CPF will propel Mauritius toward a solar-powered future with a suite of tailored technologies:
- Rooftop Solar: Expanding clean energy access for homes, businesses, and public buildings.
- Floating Solar: Utilizing water bodies to generate power without land constraints.
- Agrivoltaics: Integrating solar panels with farming to boost energy and food security.
- Solar Water Pumps: Supporting agriculture and rural water access with renewable energy.
- Green Hydrogen: Pioneering solar-powered hydrogen for decarbonized industries.
A key component of this vision is the planned Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) in Mauritius. This hub will drive training, research, and private-sector partnerships, positioning the nation as a solar innovation leader.
Economic and Environmental Wins
For Mauritius, a small island vulnerable to climate change, the shift to solar energy is both an environmental and economic imperative. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the country aims to curb emissions and protect its ecosystems from rising seas and storms. Economically, the CPF promises job creation, particularly in renewable energy and technology sectors.
The Global SolarX Accelerator Programme underscored this potential, showcasing startups poised to drive economic growth. By fostering local innovation, Mauritius can build a robust clean energy economy that benefits its people and the planet.
A Beacon for Africa
Africa’s renewable energy potential is immense, yet barriers like funding and infrastructure persist. Mauritius’s CPF signing demonstrates how strategic alliances can overcome these hurdles. As the first African nation to take this step, Mauritius is paving the way for others to join the ISA and pursue solar-driven development.
The partnership could spark a regional movement, with Mauritius serving as a hub for solar expertise and investment. Its success will depend on collaboration between government, private sector, and international partners like the ISA.
Looking Forward
The CPF is a starting point, not an endpoint. Over the next three years, Mauritius and the ISA will refine the Country Partnership Strategy, track progress, and adapt to new opportunities. The partnership’s success hinges on sustained commitment and innovation, but the potential rewards—a cleaner, more prosperous Mauritius—are immense.
By leading Africa’s solar charge, Mauritius is not just transforming its own future but illuminating a path for the continent.
FAQs
1. What is the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) signed by Mauritius with the ISA?
Answer: The Country Partnership Framework (CPF) is a strategic agreement between Mauritius and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to promote solar energy adoption. Signed on April 10, 2025, it outlines a three-year plan to develop a tailored Country Partnership Strategy, focusing on solar roadmaps, regulatory support, and technologies like rooftop solar, floating solar, and green hydrogen. It aims to drive Mauritius’s clean energy transition and can be renewed with mutual agreement.
2. Why is Mauritius’s signing of the CPF significant for Africa?
Answer: Mauritius became the first African nation to sign the CPF with the ISA, marking a milestone for renewable energy on the continent. This leadership role showcases how solar power can address energy access challenges in Africa. By pioneering this partnership, Mauritius sets an example for other African countries, potentially sparking a regional shift toward sustainable energy solutions.
3. What are some key solar projects planned under Mauritius’s CPF?
Answer: The CPF will support a range of solar initiatives in Mauritius, including rooftop solar for homes and businesses, floating solar systems on water bodies, agrivoltaics to combine farming with energy production, solar-powered water pumps for rural areas, and green hydrogen projects. Additionally, a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) will be established to boost training and innovation.
4. How does the ISA’s “Towards 1000” strategy relate to Mauritius’s partnership?
Answer: The ISA’s “Towards 1000” strategy aims to mobilize USD 1,000 billion in solar investments, connect 1,000 million people to clean energy, install 1,000 gigawatts of solar capacity, and reduce 1,000 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2030. Mauritius’s CPF aligns with these goals by scaling solar projects, attracting investment, and cutting emissions, contributing to the ISA’s global mission.
5. What impact has the ISA already had in Mauritius?
Answer: Before the CPF, the ISA made a significant impact through the ISA CARES Initiative, which solarized the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in June 2024. The hospital now generates 3,200 units of electricity per hour, reducing its monthly costs of 1.2 million Mauritian rupees. This project demonstrates how solar energy can enhance critical services like healthcare while supporting Mauritius’s sustainability goals.
