The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an international organization with 114 Member and Signatory countries. It works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable transition to a carbon-neutral future. ISA’s mission is to unlock USD 1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030 while reducing the cost of the technology and its financing. It promotes the use of solar energy in the Agriculture, Health, Transport and Power Generation sectors. ISA member countries are driving change by enacting policies and regulations, sharing best practices, agreeing on common standards, and mobilizing investments.

On April 6, 2023 at Port Louis, Mauritius, ISA and Invest India in collaboration with the Economic Development Board (EDB), Mauritius organized a Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing Workshop for start-ups and small business entrepreneurs at the High Commission of India, Mauritius to encourage entrepreneurship in solar and create awareness about ISA’s SolarX Grand Challenge programme. The session highlighted important aspects of the solar energy ecosystem, key information on the criticality of entrepreneurship in solar and climate change, the ‘problem statements’ that are necessary to solve towards finding a sustainable pathway and useful knowledge that local entrepreneurs may utilize.

Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General, International Solar Alliance, said, “The SolarX Grand Challenge is part of our two-pronged strategy to ease solar deployment in Africa. The first edition of SolarX will focus on the African region to attract investments in the solar energy sector, reduce the gap between energy demand and supply, and promote a robust start-up ecosystem in Africa. “With an estimated potential of 7900 GW of solar in Africa, and only 4 African nations having a start-up ecosystem, there is a yawning gap between what is needed and what is available. African start-ups attracted less than 1 per cent of global venture investments. With SolarX, we aim to change this scenario. This initiative will also help implement the roadmap to mobilize USD1 trillion for solar till 2030.” While congratulating Invest India, EDB and ISA for this very timely and pertinent event during his keynote address, Mr Vimarsh Aryan, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, also highlighted key aspects of the strength and diversity of the bilateral relationship between India and Mauritius. He also emphasized the enormous opportunities and potential that exist in the renewable energy sector, especially solar and the pivotal role that India, Mauritius and African countries can jointly play in tapping this enormous potential for the benefit of mankind. He urged all participants to actively participate in the workshop and benefit from the SolarX Grand Challenge. He further added that “India remains committed to supporting partner countries, especially from the Global South, by sharing its experiences and expertise in line with the Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

Dr Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Director, Economic Development Board (EDB), thanked Invest India, the International Solar Alliance and Waipa for the organization of this unique challenge and for their consideration of Mauritius for the capacity building workshop. Dr Ramdenee provided an overview of Mauritius’ conducive ecosystem incepted by Government to achieve the 60 per cent renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2030. #

More information at https://isolaralliance.org/