Renewable Energy Spreads across the Continent, Boosting Africa’s Solar Power Market

Posted on : Tuesday , 6th January 2026

The recently released study claims that renewable energy and solar energy are becoming more important throughout Africa and will have an impact on the continent's energy markets by the mid-2020s. The report projects that the solar photovoltaic business in Africa would grow dramatically between 2025 and 2028. The main causes of this increase are high solar potential, falling solar technology costs, and rising demand for reliable, clean electricity. Africa has historically only built a small portion of the global solar capacity, despite having some of the highest levels of solar radiation. Governments, investors, and energy experts now view solar power as a practical means of expanding access to electricity and fostering long-term economic growth.
 

Africa increased its solar capacity by about 2.4 gigawatts in 2024. As more nations raise their solar targets starting in 2025, this figure is predicted to increase significantly. The continent could add 23 gigawatts of solar power by 2028. Although Egypt and South Africa continue to be the top solar markets, a number of other nations are also joining the solar industry. According to the analysis, compared to just two nations in 2024, eighteen African nations are predicted to deploy at least 100 megawatts of new solar capacity in 2025. This demonstrates how solar growth is expanding throughout the continent and moving beyond a few major markets.

In Africa, solar energy is said to be a key force for social and economic transformation. It is crucial for increasing access to electricity, particularly in rural and isolated places where it is costly and time-consuming to build conventional power systems. Off-grid and mini-grid solar systems are expanding rapidly and are supplying small businesses, homes, schools, and health facilities with electricity. Improved electricity availability helps communities enhance their standard of living by supporting healthcare, education, and revenue-generating ventures. By cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, solar power also helps Africa achieve its climate goals.

Other power sources are part of Africa's energy shift, according to the research. Natural gas still plays a part, and as nations build LNG terminals and pipelines to fulfill industrial and electrical needs, use is predicted to increase. When the availability of renewable energy varies, gas can help balance power systems, but advancement is hampered by infrastructure deficiencies and funding problems. The development of hydropower is also progressing in a number of nations, with major projects anticipated to provide a substantial amount of renewable electricity throughout various regions.