Africa Achieves 20 Gigawatt Solar Milestone, Set for Remarkable Expansion
Africa's solar energy sector is experiencing a significant surge, driven by rising fossil fuel costs, power shortages, and strong governmental and private investments. The continent has passed a symbolic 20 gigawatt-peak (GWp) solar capacity milestone, with South Africa leading the way.
South Africa, one of the continent's heavyweights, holds roughly half of Africa's total solar capacity, with about 9 GW installed by 2025. Solar accounts for approximately 8% of its electricity generation and is expected to keep growing with ongoing policy support and international partnerships such as the Just Energy Transition Partnership.
Egypt, another solar powerhouse, has shown rapid growth, becoming Africa's second-largest solar market. In 2024, the country contributed 29% of the continent’s new solar capacity, with large projects in the Kom Ombo region contributing 700 MWp in 2024, nearly matching South Africa’s mega-project scale.
Northern Africa countries like Morocco and Tunisia supplement these efforts, with Algeria launching a massive 3 GW solar initiative spread across 20 projects expected to complete by the end of 2025.
Southern African nations beyond South Africa—including Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia—also made significant progress in 2025, reflecting a growing regional solar deployment trend.
Angola, a rising star in the solar energy sector, plans to tender an ambitious 800 MW solar project by the end of 2025 across four provinces, aligned with its goal of reaching near 10 GW renewable capacity by 2050.
Currently, Africa’s installed solar capacity has surpassed 20 GWp, with another 10 GWp under construction and roughly 40,000 projects in development, indicating a strong future outlook. This growth trajectory contrasts with a global slowdown in new solar installations, positioning Africa as a rising leader in solar energy adoption.
In summary, Africa's solar energy sector is fostering energy independence and addressing power shortages, with an increasing share of private and public investments sustaining dynamic growth through 2025 and beyond. The Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA), scheduled for Dec. 3-4 in Accra, organized by AFSIA, SolarPower Europe, and GET.invest, will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the continent's solar future.
| Region/Country | Installed Capacity (2025) | Notable Projects & Plans | Future Outlook | |---------------------|---------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | South Africa | ~9 GW (almost half of Africa) | Continues adding >1 GW/year, Just Energy Transition support | Growth expected >3 GW/year with policies | | Egypt | 29% of new 2.5 GW in 2024 | Kom Ombo projects (700 MWp in 2024) | Fast growth driven by gas price challenges | | Algeria | Currently less, 3 GW under construction | 20 projects across country | Commissioning expected in 2025 | | Angola | ~1.5 GW renewable total, tendering 800 MW | 4 provinces targeted | Targets 9.9 GW renewable by 2050 | | Other Southern Africa| Significant new capacity in Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia | Growing solar investments | Increasing regional deployment | | North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia) | Top four in capacity | Part of the main solar leaders in Africa | Ongoing expansion |
The continent’s solar boom is a testament to Africa's potential as a global leader in renewable energy, offering a promising future for energy-starved regions and investors alike.
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