Leading African Nations in New Solar Installations

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has illuminated a promising pathway for Africa’s energy landscape. Do you know what’s intriguing? Solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power have now become more cost-effective than traditional gas and coal in most African regions. Imagine a shift so significant that by 2030, these renewable sources could generate 27% of the continent’s electricity. That’s almost a third, a promising leap towards a greener future.

Fast forward to January 2025, and a daunting reality remains—about 600 million Africans still live without electricity. This staggering figure highlights an urgent challenge: electrification. The question is, how do we bridge this vast gap while ensuring it aligns with sustainable development goals?

Climate change, like an unwelcome guest, further complicates matters. It’s not just about electricity anymore. The adverse effects ripple outwards, contributing to food insecurity, water shortages, and economic instability. Clean energy expansion is no longer a choice but a necessity if we aim for a sustainable future.

Amidst these challenges, a ray of hope emerges in the form of solar growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Mini-grids are finding their footing, particularly in rural areas, providing a decentralized approach to electrification. It’s astonishing that, despite having 60% of the world’s best solar resources, Africa’s solar PV supplies only 3% of its electricity as noted in the Africa Market Outlook for Solar PV 2025–2028.

Global initiatives are in place to triple renewable energy capacity within this decade. Given Africa’s solar potential, the continent could become a key player in the clean energy transition, a beacon for sustainable development.

Key Findings from the Report

As spotlighted by the Global Solar Council, Africa’s solar scene flickered with 2,402 MW of power installed in 2024, a dip from the 3,076 MW seen in 2023. Yet, the dynamics remain fascinating. Countries are strategically harnessing high solar irradiance and implementing supportive policies to boost renewable energy adoption.

South Africa took the lead, alongside Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Nigeria, and others, becoming pivotal players in the solar infrastructure landscape. These developments underscore a continental shift towards cleaner energy resources.

Now, let’s glance at the story of South Africa. A boom in 2023 catalyzed a temporary decline as the country recalibrated to a typical installation rate. Elsewhere in North Africa, project development delays also played a role in the numbers. The progress may be uneven, but it’s undeniable.

By September 2024, the global cumulative solar capacity hit over 2 terawatts (TW). Still, China continues to push boundaries, contributing 253 GW out of 447 GW globally in 2023, and surpassing that with 277 GWac (approximately 332 GWdc) in 2024.

Turning back to Africa, the top 10 solar markets by new solar installations in 2024 provide fascinating insights into the continent’s evolving energy dynamics. These markets epitomize the vital role solar power is poised to play.

While South Africa and Egypt secure top spots, the story doesn’t end there. The growth of smaller markets highlights a shift towards more decentralized solar initiatives. Countries such as Ghana, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Zambia, and Angola collectively accounted for 3–4% each. Likewise, emerging players like Ivory Coast, Morocco, and The Gambia contributed 1–2%.

This remarkable diversification signals a broader transformation in energy strategies across Africa. As solar investments diversify, they pave the way toward enhanced energy access and greater sustainability for the continent.

Of course, the journey is far from over. Africa stands on the cusp of a renewable energy revolution, yet challenges and opportunities alike beckon. What strategies will these nations adopt to balance growth with environmental stewardship? The answers will shape not just a continent but potentially, the world.

Edited by Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.