Africa’s solar power sector has reached a symbolic milestone of more than 20 gigawatt-peak (GWp) of installed capacity, with over 10GWp currently under construction, according to the latest update from the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA).
AFSIA’s 2025 H1 database records nearly 40,000 projects at various stages of development, covering utility-scale, commercial and industrial (C&I), mini-grids, solar home systems, and, for selected countries, residential projects. South Africa remains the continent’s largest solar market, contributing roughly half of all operational capacity, followed by Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Growth momentum is concentrated in Southern and Northern Africa. In 2025, most newly operational capacity came from Southern Africa, with South Africa joined by Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in rolling out significant projects. Senegal added 54MWp, while Algeria is re-emerging with a 3GW solar programme spread over 20 projects, several of which are set for commissioning this year.
The expansion contrasts with a slowdown in other regions. SolarPower Europe has projected a 1.4 percent global decline in installations in 2025, while the US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports a 7 percent year-on-year drop. In Africa, installations grew 44 percent in 2024, building on 22 percent growth in 2023.
Of the capacity now under construction, 70 percent is utility-scale, with activity spread across multiple countries. South Africa accounts for 28 percent of construction, with Algeria, Egypt, Angola, Tunisia, and Zambia together making up three-quarters of the remainder.
Africa’s rapid solar growth will be a key topic at the Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA) in Accra on 3–4 December, organised by AFSIA and SolarPower Europe with support from GET.invest. The forum will address solar, energy storage, electric mobility, and green hydrogen opportunities across the continent.
Baburajan Kizhakedath