Solar energy company SkyPower Global has entered into an agreement with multilateral finance institution Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) for the development of a 200 MW solar power project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Construction of the plant is expected to begin by 2025 and serves as the first phase of a 1 GW solar power purchase agreement previously signed by SkyPower with state-owned utility Société Nationale d’Electricité (SNEL).

The DRC has set a target to increase renewable energy generation capacity, with a view to raising electrification rates while addressing climate concerns. In addition, the country’s clean energy development is expected to stimulate GDP growth by $2.3 billion and create approximately 30,000 jobs per year.

“Partnering with AFC exemplifies a concerted effort toward realizing the ambitious goals set by forward-looking countries such as the DRC,” said Kerry Adler, President & CEO of SkyPower.