Mauritius Pioneers African Solar Collaboration by Signing ISA’s Country Partnership Framework

In a transformative development for clean energy diplomacy, Mauritius has become the first African country to sign the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the International Solar Alliance (ISA). This milestone agreement, signed in April 2025, underscores Mauritius’ strategic commitment to accelerating solar energy deployment and reinforces Africa’s growing influence in the global renewable energy landscape.

This landmark deal is not just a national achievement—it’s a regional signal that Africa is ready to take bolder, more structured steps toward a clean energy revolution.

What is the ISA and Why is it a Game-Changer?

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched during COP21 in Paris in 2015, co-initiated by India and France. Its primary objective is to mobilize $1 trillion in investments for solar energy by 2030, especially in countries that receive abundant sunlight but lack infrastructure and funding.

ISA is now composed of over 110 member countries, most of which lie between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn—regions with the highest solar potential on the planet. Through programs, funding support, and global partnerships, ISA bridges the gap between policy ambitions and project execution.

Why Mauritius is Leading the Way in Africa

Mauritius has long been recognized for its political stability, sound economic policies, and environmental foresight. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), the country is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and unpredictable weather patterns. This reality has spurred Mauritius to become one of the most proactive nations in Africa regarding renewable energy.

Key Reasons for Mauritius’ Leadership

• Ambitious Renewable Target: 60% of electricity from renewables by 2030

• No fossil fuel reserves: Mauritius imports nearly all its fossil fuel, increasing vulnerability to global oil price shocks

• High solar irradiance: Over 2,000 kWh/m²/year, making solar energy economically viable

• Experience with ISA Programs: Already involved in various ISA initiatives, including Solar Pumps for Agriculture and Solar Mini-Grids

What is the Country Partnership Framework (CPF)?

The Country Partnership Framework (CPF) is ISA’s formal mechanism for deepened, customized collaboration with individual member nations. It’s a strategic action plan, co-created with the host country, tailored to accelerate solar adoption through finance, technology, capacity building, and policy guidance.

The CPF ensures:

• A systematic approach to project implementation

• Access to ISA's global ecosystem of investors, engineers, researchers, and policymakers

• Alignment with local development goals and climate commitments

• Timelines, targets, and progress tracking

In short, it transforms lofty goals into concrete solar pipelines ready for execution.

What the CPF Means for Mauritius in Practical Terms

Grid-Connected and Off-Grid Solar Deployment

Mauritius will develop a robust mix of solar infrastructure:

• Utility-scale solar farms

• Micro-grids and rooftop systems in remote and coastal areas

• Battery storage integration for energy stability

Green Jobs and Workforce Upskilling

ISA will assist in developing a green workforce, supporting:

• Local technician and engineer training

• Scholarships and exchanges under ISA’s Solar Fellowships program

• Vocational courses for solar entrepreneurs and MSMEs

Solar for Agriculture & Water

Projects like solar-powered irrigation, desalination, and cold storage facilities will help:

• Improve food security

• Reduce diesel dependence

• Boost farmer income and sustainability

Private Sector Participation and Green Financing

Mauritius will benefit from:

• Access to concessional financing through ISA’s blended finance facility

• Support for PPP (Public-Private Partnership) models

• Entry into global investment platforms including India’s Grid-Connected Solar Programme and the World Bank’s Scaling Solar initiative

Mauritius as a Beacon for SIDS and Africa

Mauritius’ CPF signing is expected to ignite a domino effect across Africa and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS). These countries share common challenges—small markets, high energy import costs, and climate exposure—but also share enormous untapped solar potential.

By becoming the first African country to formalize the CPF, Mauritius sends a message of:

• Climate leadership

• Policy maturity

• Readiness to partner with global players for real impact

Voices from the Ground

ISA Director General, Dr. Ajay Mathur, remarked:

• “Mauritius is showing the world how island nations can lead the clean energy charge. This CPF will unlock faster deployment of solar technologies, better financing, and more innovation tailored to local needs.”

Hon. Kavydass Ramano, Mauritius’ Environment Minister, said:

• “This is not just about energy—it’s about sovereignty, resilience, and economic growth. Through this partnership, we are turning our climate challenges into solar opportunities.”

Global Implications

Mauritius signing the CPF strengthens:

• South-South cooperation, especially between Africa and India

• The credibility of ISA as a results-oriented platform

• Regional peer learning through case studies and pilot projects

This partnership is expected to serve as a model for African nations like Kenya, Senegal, Rwanda, and Namibia, who are also accelerating solar adoption under ISA's guidance.

Mauritius’ historic signing of the Country Partnership Framework with the International Solar Alliance is more than a diplomatic milestone—it’s a blueprint for progress. It combines political will, environmental responsibility, and international cooperation in a way that truly matters.

By stepping forward, Mauritius is telling the world: climate-vulnerable doesn’t mean powerless. With the sun above and allies beside us, the future is not just bright—it’s solar.

Fuel our creativity with a cup of coffee! ☕️❤️❤️❤️