Solar : Africa sets a new record in 2025 with 4.5 GW installed

Solar energy is experiencing unprecedented growth in Africa. According to the report “African Solar PV Market Outlook 2026–2029” published by the Global Solar Council (GSC), the continent installed around 4.5 gigawatts of new photovoltaic capacity in 2025, compared with 2.9 GW in 2024.

This represents a 54% increase in one year and sets a new record for the continent. The previous peak was recorded in 2023, with around 3.1 GW of new installations.

This momentum confirms the growing role of solar power in Africa’s energy mix, as the continent seeks to meet rapidly rising electricity demand while accelerating its energy transition.

A response to the continent’s energy deficit

The expansion of solar power comes at a time when access to electricity remains one of Africa’s major development challenges. According to World Bank data, about 600 million people across the continent still lack access to electricity, representing nearly half of the population.

In this context, solar energy is emerging as a strategic solution. It allows production capacity to be deployed quickly, particularly in rural areas far from traditional electricity grids.

The Global Solar Council notes that falling photovoltaic technology costs and growing interest from international investors are strongly contributing to this expansion.

“Africa has some of the best solar resources in the world and the potential to become a global solar PV leader,” the Council said in its report.

Indeed, the continent benefits from some of the highest levels of solar irradiation on the planet, with a potential estimated at several thousand gigawatts.

Investments still insufficient

Despite this rapid growth, Africa’s solar capacity remains modest on a global scale. The continent still represents only a limited share of the global solar market, which is dominated by China, Europe and the United States.

Yet experts believe solar power could play a central role in electrifying the continent and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Africa holds around 60% of the world’s best solar resources, but accounts for less than 1% of installed global photovoltaic capacity.

This situation is largely explained by financing constraints, insufficient electricity infrastructure and regulatory frameworks that are sometimes still fragile.

Expanding African markets

Several African countries are currently driving solar growth across the continent. South Africa remains one of the most dynamic markets, notably due to the gradual liberalization of its energy sector and the country’s persistent electricity generation crisis.

Other countries such as Egypt, Morocco and Kenya have also developed major solar projects in recent years.

These investments are part of a broader strategy aimed at diversifying energy sources and strengthening the continent’s energy security.

A lever for the energy transition

Beyond electricity production, the expansion of solar power could also play a key role in Africa’s energy transition and in the fight against climate change.

Africa is currently responsible for less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it remains particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

In this context, the development of renewable energy represents a strategic opportunity to support economic growth while limiting the continent’s carbon footprint.

The Global Solar Council report therefore estimates that the period 2026–2029 could mark a new phase of acceleration for Africa’s solar market, driven by growing energy demand, technological innovation and rising investment.

If these trends continue, solar energy could become one of the pillars of Africa’s energy system over the next decade.