Africa is About to Enter a New Era of Solar Power with a 33 Gigawatt Goal

StakeWhisperer · 2026-02-12T23:07:33+00:00

The solar energy industry in Africa is rapidly growing, with significant installations led by South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt. A report shows a historic spike in capacity, projecting annual solar power could exceed 33 gigawatts by 2029, indicating a strong future for renewable energy across the continent.

StakeWhisperer

2026-02-12 23:07:33

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The solar industry across the African continent is accelerating rapidly, with figures showing an impressive recovery after previous years. According to a recent report from the Global Solar Council (GSC), solar energy is no longer a niche option but has become one of the most important energy technologies across the continent.

Leading Countries in Solar Deployment

The development landscape in Africa shows a clear disparity between nations. South Africa remains the leader with an installed capacity of 1.6 gigawatts, demonstrating the country’s long-term commitment to renewable energy. Following is Nigeria with 803 megawatts of installed capacity, reflecting the enormous potential of its market, while Egypt ranks third with 500 megawatts. These figures not only indicate the current status but also open up significant prospects for other countries on the continent.

Breakthrough Growth of Solar Energy

The GSC report indicates that 2025 marked a historic turning point when new solar capacity added reached 4.5 gigawatts, an increase of over 54% compared to 2024 and surpassing the previous record set in 2023. This number clearly demonstrates a boom in utility-scale projects across the continent. Industry experts believe this increase is not a temporary phenomenon but the beginning of a new phase in sustainable energy development.

Solar Energy Outlook in Africa: From Now to 2029

Forecasts released show the limitless potential of solar energy as the entire continent expands both its distribution markets and utility-scale projects. GSC predicts that if current trends continue, Africa’s annual solar capacity could surpass 33 gigawatts by 2029, a sixfold increase from the current level. This means many countries will join the race to develop renewable energy, not just the three leading nations today.

This development is not accidental but the result of policy changes, investments from international organizations, and soaring energy demands in developing countries. With clear goals set, Africa is reshaping the future of solar energy not only on the continent but also with a global impact.

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