The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and India's state-run NTPC are slated to sign tripartite agreements with 7 African countries for large-scale solar energy projects. 

A 30 megawatt (MW) floating solar energy project is slated to come up in Mauritius, while solar projects of 800 MW capacity are planned in Guinea, 400 MW in Ethiopia, 100 MW each in Malawi and Zambia and 50 MW each in Mali and Niger.

As project management consultant, NTPC will conduct a viability study for solar projects in Mauritius, Ethiopia, Guinea, Malawi, Niger, Mali and Zambia. 

While talks with Ethiopia and Guinea are at an advanced stage, business models may be customized to popularise the schemes and spread the reach of solar projects, on the request of countries like Zambia. 

NTPC's role is also likely to include design of the bid process for selection of a project developer.