Africa is witnessing an unprecedented surge in solar energy adoption, transforming a continent long plagued by energy poverty into a rising global leader in renewable power. According to the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), the continent now boasts more than 20 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity across utility-scale projects, commercial and industrial setups, mini-grids, and home systems.

This milestone, nearly invisible on the global solar map a decade ago, comes as other regions report declines. SolarPower Europe projects a 1.4 per cent contraction in global solar installations in 2025—the first negative growth since 2015. The United States has already seen a sharp 43 per cent drop in installations between late 2024 and early 2025. By contrast, Africa recorded a 44 per cent increase in new installations in 2024, building on a 22 per cent rise in 2023.

South Africa remains the epicenter of Africa’s solar revolution, accounting for nearly half of installed capacity. Years of crippling power cuts forced the country to aggressively adopt solar, with investments at both industrial and household levels averaging 3,000 megawatts (MW) annually since 2022. North Africa is also making significant strides, led by Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. Algeria has recently launched an ambitious 3 GW programme spread across 20 projects, several of which are expected online before the end of 2025.

Other emerging hotspots include Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Senegal, reflecting a more even spread of solar growth across the continent. In total, more than 10 GW of additional projects are currently under construction.

This rapid uptake is powered by Africa’s vast solar potential—most regions enjoy over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, with solar irradiation levels among the world’s highest. Coupled with a dramatic 90 per cent fall in solar equipment costs over the last decade, the momentum is proving transformative.

Yet, challenges remain. High upfront costs and inadequate storage solutions continue to hinder adoption, particularly in poorer nations. To offset this, governments are rolling out incentives: South Africa offered household rebates of up to 25 per cent on solar installations, while Zimbabwe scrapped import duties on solar products.

The potential impact is profound. With nearly 600 million Africans still lacking access to electricity, the International Energy Agency projects solar could supply 15 per cent of Africa’s power by 2030, doubling to 30 per cent by 2040.