Ali Alshimmari Recognised As Pioneer Of Arab–African Cooperation In Renewable Energy

Financial Afrik has named Ali Alshimmari, Managing Director and CEO of UAE-based Global South Utilities, among 100 leading African figures in economy, investment, and development. The recognition highlights Global South Utilities’ role in renewable energy and long-term investment partnerships across Africa, and reflects growing Arab–African cooperation in infrastructure and power generation.

The honour was announced at Financial Afrik’s annual conference in Banjul, where the African media organisation described Alshimmari as a pioneer in Arab–African cooperation. President Adama Barrow of The Gambia received Alshimmari during the event and expressed appreciation for the UAE’s continuing support and investments across the African continent.

This latest award is the second recognition for Alshimmari within a few months. In September, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno awarded Alshimmari the Officer of the National Order of Chad, one of the country’s highest honours, making Alshimmari the first foreign company CEO to receive this decoration from the Chadian president.

The National Order of Chad acknowledged Alshimmari’s role in delivering the Noor Chad Solar Power Plant within a compressed timetable. The project strengthened Chadian generation capacity and underlined the emphasis placed by Global South Utilities on meeting agreed schedules in African markets, supporting both energy security and broader economic stability.

Alshimmari has built a career in renewable energy, including senior roles at Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and Masdar, before taking charge of Global South Utilities, a subsidiary of Resources Investment Group in Abu Dhabi. Alshimmari has worked on cross-border renewable projects, positioning Global South Utilities as an active participant in African power sector development.

The company is developing renewable energy projects in Madagascar, the Central African Republic, the Comoros Islands, and Chad. These schemes support local generation, reduce supply gaps, and help stabilise national grids. Global South Utilities has financed almost 400 megawatts of capacity so far and aims to reach 750 megawatts of production capacity by 2027, including projects within Africa.

During the Global South Utilities Forum, held as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Alshimmari underlined the company’s view of climate and development risks, stating that, "In the Global South, sustainability is not a vision of the future-it is the price of delay, paid today," and adding that, "While much of the world debates sustainability in the Global South, the UAE is busy building it."

Following the recognition in Banjul, Alshimmari linked access to electricity directly with social and economic progress, noting that, "In Africa, energy is neither a luxury nor a technical issue. When electricity reaches an African village, it is not just lighting, but life in motion. Schools operate, clinics remain open, and the economy moves. This is the Africa we are working for."

The combination of regional awards, expanding generation capacity, and active engagement with African governments places Global South Utilities and Alshimmari at the centre of discussions on renewable energy investment between the UAE and African states, as the company continues to advance projects and targets across multiple countries.

With inputs from WAM