Africa’s solar energy market poised for substantial growth in 2025

Africa’s solar power sector is set for impressive growth, with installations projected to increase by 42% in 2025, according to a report from the Global Solar Council (GSC), as cited by Bloomberg.

In 2024, the continent added approximately 2,400 megawatts of solar capacity — a slight dip from the previous year, largely due to a slowdown in South Africa after an exceptional 2023.

Despite this, the future looks bright. Several projects delayed in 2024 are expected to move forward, contributing to a forecasted 23-gigawatt increase in solar capacity from 2025 to 2028.

The report highlights that ongoing power shortages and unreliable electricity grids are driving businesses and households across Africa to turn to solar energy as a dependable alternative.

South Africa remains the leader in solar adoption, followed by Egypt. Meanwhile, Morocco, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria are rapidly scaling up their solar infrastructure.

Analysts told Bloomberg that the U.S. shifting away from global climate initiatives, including decisions made under President Donald Trump, is unlikely to disrupt Africa’s green energy momentum.

However, financing remains a significant hurdle. Capital costs for solar installations in Africa are reportedly seven times higher than in developed nations.

“If we can lower the cost of capital, Africa has the potential to become one of the fastest-expanding solar markets globally,” said Léo Echard, GSC policy officer and lead author of the report.