African Solar Energy Reaches a Historic Milestone in 2025

FloorPriceNightmare · 2026-02-13T22:01:14+00:00

In 2025, Africa experienced a historic surge in solar energy capacity, adding 4.5 GW, a 54% increase from the previous year. While South Africa leads with 1.6 GW, projections suggest that annual capacity could surpass 33 GW by 2029, underscoring the continent's significance in the global energy transition.

FloorPriceNightmare

2026-02-13 22:01:14

Abstract generation in progress

The African continent experienced an unprecedented expansion in its solar generation capacity during 2025, solidifying its position as a key player in the global energy transition. A recent analysis by the Global Solar Council (GSC) reveals figures that surpass all previous expectations, marking 2025 as a watershed moment in the development of renewable energy in the region.

Installed Capacity Grows at a Historic Pace

In 2025, the continent added approximately 4.5 gigawatts of new solar capacity, representing a 54% increase compared to the previous year. This figure not only set a new record for Africa but also significantly exceeded the previous record established in 2023. The rapid growth is attributed to both large-scale projects and the simultaneous expansion of distributed markets and utility-scale energy systems across multiple territories.

Regional Distribution: Unequal Leadership Across the Continent

Solar capacity is unevenly distributed among Africa’s major markets. South Africa leads with an installed capacity of 1.6 gigawatts, establishing itself as the regional solar powerhouse. Nigeria follows with 803 megawatts, while Egypt completes the podium with 500 megawatts. This distribution reflects both the level of economic development and the availability of natural resources and investment in each country.

Long-Term Outlook: Projections for 2029

GSC estimates suggest an even more ambitious future for the continent. If current trends continue and expansion in emerging markets persists, Africa’s annual solar capacity could exceed 33 gigawatts by 2029. This upward trajectory reinforces the importance of investing in renewable energy as a key strategy for sustainable development in Africa during this period.

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