Africa’s utility-scale renewable energy sector is attracting investment in solar power plants, battery energy storage systems and cross-border electricity transmission, with major developments advancing in Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Algeria, Zambia, Egypt, Namibia, Ghana, Tunisia and Côte d’Ivoire.
Major projects include a $650 million solar development in Zimbabwe, a 200 MW floating solar and 800 MWh battery project in Rwanda, a $126 million proposed solar investment in Mozambique and a 2,000 MW Algeria–Italy electricity interconnection.
Renewable energy developers including AMEA Power, Solarcentury Africa, JCM Power, Toyota Tsusho, Zhero, First Sky Limited and SUMEC Energy are participating in Africa’s expanding clean energy market.
The projects demonstrate growing opportunities for independent power producers, engineering contractors, equipment suppliers, infrastructure investors and regional electricity traders.
Major Africa Solar and Renewable Energy Projects in 2026
| Country | Project | Capacity | Investment or status |
| Zimbabwe | Kariba solar | 600 MW | $650 million proposed |
| Mozambique | Gaza Province solar | Not disclosed | $126 million proposed |
| Rwanda | Lake Sake floating solar | 200 MW + 800 MWh storage | Seeking investors |
| Algeria | Medlink interconnection | 2,000 MW transmission | Proposed |
| Zambia | Mombwa solar | 120 MW | Grid connection |
| Togo | Nangbéto solar | 100 MW first phase | Pre-tender consultation |
| Mali | Gongasso solar | 100 MW + 100 MWh storage | Land reserved |
| Ghana | Yendi solar | 50 MW | $59 million |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Binguébougou solar | 50 MWp | Construction started |
| Namibia | Naruchas solar | 20 MW | Developer selected |
| Mauritius | Tamarind Falls floating solar | 15 MW + 60 MWh storage | EPC tender |
Zimbabwe: $650 Million Kariba Solar Project Targets 600 MW
Zimbabwe is advancing a proposed 600 MW solar power project near Lake Kariba, representing an estimated investment of $650 million.
The development is intended to diversify electricity generation as declining water availability threatens hydropower production.
The Zambezi River Authority has reduced the combined water allocation for Zimbabwe and Zambia from 36 billion cubic metres in 2026 to 23 billion cubic metres in 2027, a decline of approximately 36 percent.
The proposed solar facility could reduce dependence on hydropower and strengthen electricity availability for industrial and commercial customers.
However, financing arrangements, construction schedules and final investment decisions remain unresolved.
Rwanda: 200 MW Floating Solar and 800 MWh Battery Project
Rwanda is seeking independent power producers to develop a 200 MW floating solar installation at Lake Sake in Ngoma District, integrated with an 800 MWh battery energy storage system.
The Energy Development Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of Rwanda Energy Group, is coordinating procurement.
The project is planned under a public-private partnership model, with a proposed 25-year power purchase agreement.
The selected developer would be responsible for engineering, financing, construction, commissioning and long-term operations.
The combination of floating solar and battery storage could improve electricity supply flexibility while reducing pressure on available land.
Algeria: 700 MW Solar Expansion and 2,000 MW Italy Interconnection
Algeria added approximately 700 MW of solar capacity in 2026, including the 300 MW Foulia plant in El Oued and two 200 MW facilities at Tendla and El Ghrous.
The country aims to develop 15 GW of solar capacity by 2035, although natural gas continues to dominate electricity generation.
Separately, Italian developer Zhero is advancing the proposed Medlink electricity interconnection between Algeria and Italy.
The project envisages a 900-kilometre high-voltage direct-current submarine cable with 2,000 MW of transmission capacity, supported by at least 5,000 MW of renewable generation in southern Algeria.
The system could deliver more than 10 TWh of electricity annually to Europe, subject to financing, permitting and grid-connection approvals.
Zambia: Solarcentury Africa Expands Mailo Solar to 59.5 MW
Solarcentury Africa has expanded its Mailo solar project to 59.5 MWp following commissioning of a second phase adding 34.5 MWp.
The original 25 MWp installation entered commercial operation in July 2025.
The expansion received equity investment from BB Energy and debt financing from Standard Bank South Africa.
Alensy Energy Solutions served as engineering, procurement and construction contractor.
Electricity is sold through the Southern African Power Pool, demonstrating how regional electricity markets can support merchant renewable energy projects.
Separately, Zambia’s 120 MW Mombwa solar project, operated and maintained by SUMEC Energy, connected to the national grid in October 2026. Approximately 70 MW was reportedly integrated initially, meaning the full nameplate capacity should not yet be classified as commercially operational.
Ghana: First Sky Completes $59 Million Solar Project
First Sky Limited has developed the 50 MW Yendi solar plant for Ghana’s Bui Power Authority.
The approximately $59 million project began commercial electricity supply in September 2026, following its inauguration in December 2024.
First Sky provided upfront financing through an engineering, procurement, construction and financing arrangement, with Bui Power Authority expected to repay the investment over eight years.
The project contributes to Ghana’s renewable energy expansion, which is also being supported by initiatives from the Bui Power Authority.
Côte d’Ivoire: AMEA Power Starts 50 MW Solar Construction
UAE-based AMEA Power has started construction of the 50 MWp Binguébougou solar facility in Côte d’Ivoire’s Poro region.
The project is expected to improve electricity access for more than 300,000 people and generate power equivalent to the requirements of over 100,000 households.
Côte d’Ivoire has a broader pipeline of more than 15 proposed solar plants with combined capacity of approximately 1,262 MW.
The country aims to increase renewable energy’s share of electricity generation to 45 percent by 2030.
AMEA Power is among the international developers expanding renewable energy investments across Africa, as outlined in its renewable energy project portfolio.
Namibia: JCM Power and Solarcentury Advance Solar Investments
JCM Power, together with Broadreach Energy, Galen Group Investment and Southern Africa Group, has been selected to develop Namibia’s 20 MW Naruchas solar project.
The award followed a competitive procurement process by national utility NamPower. Financing and construction dates have not been disclosed.
Separately, Solarcentury Africa and local partner Sino Energy have completed the 19.3 MWp Gerus solar plant.
The project, financed by BB Energy, sells electricity through the Southern African Power Pool.
The merchant model allows the developer to participate in regional electricity trading rather than depending exclusively on a conventional long-term utility PPA.
Tunisia: Toyota Tsusho Targets 400 MW Renewable Energy Pipeline
Japanese companies are expanding participation in Tunisia’s renewable energy sector, targeting approximately 400 MW of investment opportunities by 2028.
Toyota Tsusho, through subsidiary Aeolus SAS, is involved in the 60 MW Tozeur solar project, which entered operation in 2026, and a 120 MW development at Sidi Bouzid that reached financial close in June.
Meanwhile, Hitachi Energy secured a €770 million contract for converter stations associated with the ELMED electricity interconnection between Tunisia and Italy.
The project highlights the importance of cross-border transmission infrastructure in enabling renewable electricity trade between North Africa and Europe.
Mali, Togo and Mauritius Advance Solar and Battery Projects
Mali has reserved 211.93 hectares in Gongasso for a proposed 100 MW solar project with 100 MWh of battery storage. Engineering firm ICRED completed feasibility work, but financing and construction remain unconfirmed.
Togo is preparing procurement for the 100 MW Nangbéto solar project, the first phase of a proposed 400 MW programme. Stakeholder consultation covers concession agreements, power purchase agreements and tender conditions.
In Mauritius, India’s NTPC, through NTPC (Mauritius) Energy Limited, has invited EPC bids for a 15 MW floating solar facility at Tamarind Falls Reservoir, supported by a 12 MW/60 MWh battery system.
The tender closes on December 7, 2026, creating opportunities for solar equipment manufacturers, battery suppliers and engineering contractors.
Additional Renewable Energy Vendors and Investment Opportunities
Africa’s renewable energy market also includes developers such as Scatec, Infinity Power, Masdar, Globeleq, EDF Renewables and CrossBoundary Energy.
Scatec and Infinity Power are active in large-scale solar and storage development, while Globeleq and EDF Renewables participate in utility-scale power generation.
CrossBoundary Energy focuses on commercial and industrial renewable electricity projects, including solar and battery systems serving mining and manufacturing customers.
The African Development Bank’s energy initiatives provide another important financing channel for generation, transmission and electricity-access infrastructure.
Africa Renewable Energy Investment Outlook
Africa’s renewable energy expansion is creating opportunities across solar generation, floating solar, battery storage, grid infrastructure and cross-border electricity trading.
Projects involving Solarcentury Africa, AMEA Power, Toyota Tsusho, JCM Power, NTPC, Zhero and First Sky Limited demonstrate increasing participation from international developers and domestic engineering companies.
However, project announcements, land allocations, tenders, financial close and commercial commissioning represent different investment stages.
For investors, the critical indicators are committed CAPEX, financing agreements, contracted electricity revenue, grid availability, construction progress and operational generation capacity.
The next phase of Africa’s renewable energy growth will depend on converting proposed capacity into financed, connected and revenue-generating electricity assets, supported by regional power markets and stronger transmission infrastructure. Additional investment opportunities can be tracked through the International Renewable Energy Agency’s renewable energy statistics and analysis.
SHAFANA FAZAL
