Announcements

Africa Finance Corporation and SkyPower Global to start work for DR Congo’s energy needs

Published

2 years ago

February 17, 2024

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Renewable energy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to get a significant boost as Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and SkyPower Global have come decided to come together for the first phase of the latter’s Green Giant project in the country.

This 200MW Phase 1 is a crucial step in realising the landmark 1,000MW Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed between SkyPower and the DRC’s state-owned utility, Société Nationale d’Electricité (SNEL).

The partnership creates a formidable force in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions for the continent in the fight against climate change. The venture will leverage SkyPower’s unparallelled global experience in developing large-scale solar projects and AFC’s proven track record of successfully de-risking and distributing capital for well-structured power and other infrastructure projects across Africa.

Coming in the wake of COP28, this agreement underscores both organisations’ dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly emphasising the critical role of partnerships in accelerating renewable energy adoption and addressing the escalating climate crisis.

The DRC Green Giant project, heralded by the signing of the initial PPA with SNEL, marked a historic commitment from the DRC government to enhance electrification rates through renewable energy partnerships. President Félix Tshisekedi’s strategic vision targets a significant boost to the nation’s clean energy output, contributing to a projected US$2.3 billion stimulus to the DRC’s GDP and the creation of approximately 30,000 job years.

The Joint Development Agreement is set to catalyse the construction of the first 200MW phase of the project, with all necessary approvals secured and land allocation completed, ensuring a swift transition to development stage and the commencement of construction by 2025.

“Partnering with SkyPower, an institution known for their decades of global expertise in large-scale solar projects, is well aligned with our mission to advance energy access on the continent through renewable energy,” said Amadou Wadda, Senior Director of Project Development and Technical Solutions at AFC, the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to contribute significantly to rapid industrialisation, local job creation, sustainable economic growth and a pragmatic transition to net zero in DRC and Africa as a whole.

Kerry Adler, President & Chief Executive Officer of SkyPower, highlighted AFC’s leadership role and its commitment to fast-tracking the deployment of essential energy projects as crucial to leveraging solar energy to spur economic development, create job opportunities, and tackle climate change effectively. “Partnering with AFC exemplifies a concerted effort toward realizing the ambitious goals set by forward-looking countries such as the DRC, aiming for a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone,” Adler noted. “This agreement underlines AFC’s pivotal contribution to promoting renewable energy solutions and both AFC and SkyPower’s unwavering commitment and dedication to ensuring a greener, more resilient world.”

SkyPower Global stands at the forefront of utility-scale solar energy project development and project ownership around the world, boasting over 20 years of operational history. The company is supported by a highly experienced team, collectively holding more than 1600 years of expertise in power, empowerment, and significant infrastructure initiatives. SkyPower has diligently developed an extensive pipeline of projects exceeding 10GW, which are at diverse stages of development, construction, and operation. This broad pipeline demonstrates SkyPower’s strong commitment to and expertise in the renewable energy sector, with projects set for implementation in strategic locations like the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia in the near future.

SkyPower has developed over 30 utility-scale solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) currently in operation across the globe and contracts, amounting to more than USD $60 billion in long-term renewable energy sales to leading utilities and government partners worldwide. Adding to its robust profile, SkyPower is majority-owned by CIM Group, a community-focused real estate and infrastructure owner, operator, lender, and developer. Since its inception in 1994, CIM Group has been committed to creating value in its projects and making a positive impact on the lives of people in communities across the Americas. Through its efforts, CIM Group has delivered more than $60 billion in essential real estate and infrastructure projects, furthering SkyPower’s mission to transform the energy landscape and enhance community well-being through sustainable development.

Related Topics:Africa Congo cop28 Dubai energy renewable SkyPower

Staff Reporter

Announcements

Getting a UAE work permit could soon become faster and easier

Published

11 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE is preparing to make work permit applications even faster and simpler as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) launches a new phase of labour market reforms.

As part of the initiative, MoHRE has opened a public consultation period until July 30, inviting employers, employees and members of the public to share feedback on existing work permit services and suggest improvements.

The ministry said the latest reforms will focus on simplifying procedures, reducing administrative requirements and expanding digital services to improve customer experience and speed up transaction processing.

Faster, simpler work permit services

According to MoHRE, the planned upgrades are designed to support the UAE’s wider Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme by making work permit services more efficient and user-friendly.

The ministry recently removed the requirement for supporting documents across several permit categories and reduced mandatory application fields by up to 97 per cent, significantly cutting processing times.

Officials say the next phase will build on those changes by redesigning permit procedures and increasing the use of digital channels.

13 types of work permits

MoHRE currently issues 13 different work permits tailored to various employment arrangements, including:

Recruitment permits for workers hired from outside the UAE
Transfer work permits
Family-sponsored resident work permits
Part-time work permits
Temporary and mission work permits
Freelance work permits
Golden Visa holder work permits
Student training and employment permits
Juvenile work permits for individuals aged 15 to 18
UAE and GCC national work permits

The ministry said the reforms are aimed at supporting private-sector growth, protecting workers’ rights and strengthening the UAE’s position as a competitive global labour market.

Public feedback open until July 30

Residents, employers and businesses can submit suggestions through MoHRE’s electronic consultation platform before July 30.

The ministry said public feedback will help shape future enhancements and support the development of faster, more flexible and fully digital government services aligned with the UAE’s long-term economic vision.

Announcements

Dubai launches new digital platform to simplify SME setup and reduce expenses

Published

4 days ago

June 4, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai has unveiled a new one-stop platform aimed at making it faster, simpler and more affordable for entrepreneurs to launch and grow businesses in the emirate.

Launched by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), SME in a Box brings together essential business services on a single platform, allowing founders to access licensing support, banking, digital payments, logistics, telecommunications and other operational tools without dealing with multiple providers separately.

The initiative is designed to remove many of the challenges entrepreneurs face during the business setup process, helping startups and small businesses reduce costs, save time and get operational more quickly.

According to DET, businesses using the platform could unlock more than Dh80,000 in potential value through partner discounts, fee waivers, subsidised onboarding and preferential service packages. Founders may also save up to 200 hours typically spent comparing providers, negotiating contracts and completing onboarding requirements.

The platform launches with 18 private-sector partners, including Emirates NBD, Commercial Bank of Dubai, du, Aramex, DHL and several fintech and business service providers.

Certain digital services, including payments, logistics and telecom solutions, can be activated within as little as 24 hours, while more complex services such as corporate banking and licensing continue to follow standard regulatory procedures with streamlined onboarding support.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, CEO of Dubai SME, said the platform was developed in response to entrepreneurs seeking greater clarity, speed and cost efficiency when setting up businesses.

The initiative supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to further strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for investment, entrepreneurship and business growth.

Future phases will introduce deeper digital integration and eventually connect SME in a Box with Dubai’s broader business ecosystem, creating a seamless journey from company formation to scaling and expansi

Announcements

UAE fuel prices for June announced: Petrol edges closer to Dh4 a litre

Published

1 week ago

May 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE announced revised fuel prices for June 2026, with motorists set to pay significantly more for petrol while diesel costs decline compared to the previous month.

The latest adjustment is particularly notable as it marks the country’s first monthly fuel pricing update since formally leaving both OPEC and OPEC+ earlier this year.

Beginning June 1, Super 98 petrol will be priced at Dh3.95 per litre, up from Dh3.66 in May. Special 95 will rise to Dh3.83 per litre from Dh3.55, while E-Plus 91 will increase from Dh3.48 to Dh3.76 per litre.

In contrast, diesel users will benefit from a reduction, with prices falling from Dh4.69 per litre in May to Dh4.33 in June.

The latest increase extends a three-month upward trend in petrol prices, reflecting ongoing volatility in global energy markets and fluctuations in crude oil prices.

Impact on residents

For households across the UAE, fuel price movements remain a key economic indicator, influencing transportation costs, daily commuting expenses and overall household budgets. Rising petrol prices can have a noticeable impact on monthly spending, particularly for residents who rely heavily on private vehicles.

The June pricing announcement comes just weeks after the UAE officially ended its six-decade membership in OPEC and OPEC+, a move that took effect on May 1, 2026.

The revised prices will come into effect from June1, 2026.