On August 18^th, His Excellency the Minister of Energy and Water of the Republic of Angola, Eng.º João Baptista Borges and Her Excellency the Provincial Governor of Bié, Dra. Celeste Elavoco David Adolfo attended the landmark inauguration of the 14.65 MWp Cuito Solar Photovoltaic Park in Bié Province. Equipped with 28,125 solar panels, the park delivers sustainable, renewable energy to over 38,000 people, saves over 172,000 litres of diesel per year, and prevents over 30,240 tons of CO₂ emissions from entering the atmosphere.

A strong statement of intent around the country’s commitment to sustainable development, growth, and progress, the inauguration of the photovoltaic park at Cuito is part of a transformative 370 MWp national solar program, one of the most significant renewable energy undertakings in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Launched by the Ministry of Energy and Water (MINEA), the national solar initiative envisions the construction of seven photovoltaic plants across the country. Together, these facilities will install around 1 million solar panels with a combined capacity of 370 MWp, generating enough power for more than 2 million people. By design, the program is intended not only to produce electricity but to redefine the nation’s energy matrix, shifting from heavy reliance on fossil fuels toward a cleaner, more sustainable balance. The inauguration of Cuito follows the inauguration of photovoltaic plants at Biopio, Baia Farta, Saurimo, Luena and Lucapa.

The Cuito Solar Park: A Local Milestone with National Power

Within this broad framework, the Cuito Solar Park represents a crucial step forward. Cuito is among the first utility-scale photovoltaic facilities in central Angola to be inaugurated, bringing the benefits of the solar program to the country’s interior and directly addressing the needs of a historically underserved region.

The facility’s measurable benefits—and the wider impact they generate—include:

• Installed capacity: 14.65 MWp
• Infrastructure: 28,125 solar panels, a 15 kV switching station, and a 5.8 km overhead transmission line linking to the Cuito 60/15 kV substation.
• Beneficiaries: An estimated 38,000 people served with reliable electricity.
• Environmental gains: 30,240 tons of CO₂ emissions prevented from entering the atmosphere, every year
• Fuel savings: More than 172,000 litres of diesel per year, equal to 68.8 million AKZ in annual savings
• Employment: Around 300 jobs generated

Though modest in scale, contributing about 15 MWp to the 370 MWp generated by the seven-plant national program, Cuito demonstrates the inclusive reach of Angola’s energy transition. It shows that the benefits of clean energy are not confined to coastal or urban centres but extend deep into the provinces, driving sustainable and affordable electrification that can transform daily life, power schools and clinics, and support local businesses.

Dar’s was honoured to provide extensive consultancy services to support this project and Angola’s broader renewable energy intervention programme, ensuring that projects like Cuito deliver lasting social, economic, and environmental value —broadening access to electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, expanding renewable energy, and cutting carbon emissions as Angola contains to advance steadily towards a cleaner, more inclusive, and more sustainable future.