By Abdullahi Lukman
Africa’s operational solar power capacity has surpassed 20 GWp, according to the Africa Solar Industry Association’s (AFSIA) latest 2025 half-year update.
The data reflects nearly 40,000 solar projects across various stages of development, covering utility-scale systems, commercial and industrial (C&I), mini-grids, solar home systems (SHS), and residential installations in selected countries.
South Africa continues to lead the continent, accounting for about half of Africa’s total installed capacity. North African nations—Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia—round out the top four contributors.
Southern Africa remains the dominant region in new capacity additions for 2025, with Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia recording major installations. Senegal is the exception in West Africa, with 54 MWp added so far this year.
Notably, Algeria has re-entered the solar sector with a large-scale 3 GW program across 20 projects, many of which are expected to be completed before the end of 2025.
AFSIA’s data suggests that, while other global markets are experiencing a slowdown, Africa’s solar sector is expanding rapidly.
SolarPower Europe recently reported a 1.4% decline in global solar growth, while U.S. installations dropped 7% year-on-year.
Africa’s solar growth surged 44% in 2024, building on a 22% rise in 2023. More than 10 GWp of new capacity is currently under construction, with 70% of this in utility-scale projects.
While South Africa remains the busiest market, it now accounts for only 28% of projects underway, signaling wider regional participation.
Algeria, Egypt, Angola, Tunisia, and Zambia collectively represent 75% of the continent’s ongoing solar development.
These developments will be a key focus at the upcoming Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA), scheduled for December 3–4, 2025, in Accra.
Organised by AFSIA and SolarPower Europe, with support from GET.invest, REFA will bring together stakeholders to explore solar, storage, electric mobility, green hydrogen, and more across Africa’s fast-evolving clean energy landscape.
