By Seth Onyango
Africa is on track to add 23 GW of solar by 2028 — a twofold jump over 2024 figures — as subsidies and peer influence accelerate adoption among homes and businesses.
Rooftop installations initially took off in Kenyan, Nigerian and South African suburbs as a means to escape erratic power supply, with peer influence driving uptake among wealthier households, particularly in South Africa.
That effect is now spreading to low-income areas, including rural areas where the primary demand is for lighting, according to the report.
New Global Solar Council (GSC) projections show a 119.8% surge in Africa’s solar capacity from 19.2 GW in 2024 to 42.2 GW by 2028, with installations projected to jump 42% year-on-year in 2025.
Still, this growth taps only a fraction of Africa’s vast solar potential. “It’s critical to unlock this resource to meet climate targets and triple renewable energy capacity,” the report states.
Africa added just 2.4 GW of solar last year, slightly below 2023 levels. Analysts attribute the dip to a “recalibration” as markets diversify beyond South Africa and Egypt. By 2025, however, 18 African nations are expected to install at least 100 MW annually, up from just two in 2024.
“This means more solar in more countries, cutting costs, creating jobs, and spurring industrial growth,” the GSC said.
While Africa holds 60% of the world’s best solar resources, solar PV generates only 3% of its electricity — a glaring gap that policymakers and investors are racing to close.
High borrowing costs remain a challenge, with solar capital expenses three to seven times higher than in developed markets. The continent also draws just 3% of global energy investments, far below the US$200 billion needed annually to meet climate and energy goals.
The GSC underscores the importance of blended finance, green bonds, and de-risking tools to lower borrowing costs.
Private investments are rising, particularly in utility-scale projects, but still fall short. For instance, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) recently launched a US$150 million solar fund, targeting Senegal and Zambia.
Solar’s role is also expanding beyond household electrification. Sectors like green hydrogen and e-mobility, driven by abundant, cheap solar power, are emerging as key growth drivers.
Egypt, for example, aims to generate 42% of its grid power from solar by 2035 to support its hydrogen ambitions, while Kenya’s Roam Electric is rolling out solar-powered EV charging stations.
Africa’s solar shift is also fuelling innovation and partnerships. Rwanda and Ethiopia are exploring cross-border energy-sharing models to stabilise supply using excess solar generation.
Meanwhile, global manufacturers are eyeing the continent’s expanding solar market. European and Chinese firms are in talks to build local assembly plants, which could reduce costs and strengthen supply chains.
This momentum reflects a growing recognition of solar’s pivotal role in reshaping Africa’s energy future.
bird story agency
Africa is poised to significantly increase its solar capacity, with projections indicating a rise from 19.2 GW in 2024 to 42.2 GW by 2028, marking a 119.8% surge. This growth is driven by increased adoption of rooftop installations in Kenyan, Nigerian, and South African suburbs, initially due to unreliable power supply, and later influenced by peer effect spreading to lower-income and rural areas. However, the continent still utilizes only a fraction of its solar potential, as solar PV accounts for just 3% of Africa's electricity, despite holding 60% of the world’s best solar resources.
Challenges such as high borrowing costs, with capital expenses being three to seven times higher than in developed markets, and a low share in global energy investments hinder progress. To address these, tools like blended finance, green bonds, and de-risking are essential for reducing borrowing costs. Private investments are growing, particularly in utility-scale projects, supported by initiatives like the International Finance Corporation’s US$150 million solar fund targeting countries like Senegal and Zambia.
Moreover, solar energy is extending its reach beyond household electrification into sectors like green hydrogen and e-mobility. Egypt plans to supply 42% of its grid power from solar by 2035, bolstering hydrogen goals, and Kenya's Roam Electric is launching solar-powered EV charging stations. Partnerships and innovation are also on the rise, with Rwanda and Ethiopia exploring energy-sharing models, while European and Chinese manufacturers consider establishing local assembly plants to strengthen supply chains.
This substantial momentum highlights solar power’s crucial role in transforming Africa’s energy landscape, fostering job creation, reducing costs, and promoting industrial growth as the continent shifts toward a more sustainable energy future.
