The International Energy Agency (IEA), projects that solar PV and wind power are now more affordable than gas and coal in most parts of Africa, and by 2030, they are expected to generate 27% of the continent’s electricity.
As of January 2025, approximately 600 million Africans remain without electricity, underscoring the urgent need for electrification.
Climate change is further exacerbating challenges such as food insecurity, water shortages, and economic instability, making clean energy expansion essential for sustainable development.
Sub-Saharan Africa is set to witness significant solar growth, with mini-grids playing a key role in rural electrification.
Despite having 60% of the world’s best solar resources, solar PV currently accounts for just 3% of Africa’s electricity generation, according to the Africa Market Outlook for Solar PV 2025-2028.
With global initiatives to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, Africa’s vast solar potential positions it as a crucial player in the clean energy transition.
Key findings from the report
As of 2024, Africa’s leading solar markets by new installations (%) include South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Nigeria, and several emerging players investing in solar infrastructure.
These nations are leveraging high solar irradiance and supportive policies to accelerate renewable energy adoption.
According to the Global Solar Council, the continent installed 2,402 MW of solar power in 2024, slightly below the 3,076 MW recorded in 2023.
This decline is primarily attributed to South Africa returning to a normal installation rate after a boom in 2023, along with delayed project development in North Africa.
By September 2024, global cumulative solar capacity surpassed the 2-terawatt (TW) milestone, though installation rates remain uneven worldwide.
China continues to dominate solar deployment, contributing 253 GW out of 447 GW installed globally in 2023 and adding an even higher 277 GWac (or approximately 332 GWdc) in 2024.
The following table highlights the top 10 African solar markets by new solar installations (%) in 2024, reflecting the continent’s evolving energy landscape and the growing role of solar power in its electricity mix.
| Rank | Country | New Solar Installation Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
South Africa |
46.00% |
|
2 |
Egypt |
29.00% |
|
3 |
Ghana |
4.00% |
|
4 |
Burkina Faso |
4.00% |
|
5 |
Nigeria |
3.00% |
|
6 |
Zambia |
3.00% |
|
7 |
Angola |
3.00% |
|
8 |
Ivory Coast |
2.00% |
|
9 |
Morocco |
1.00% |
|
10 |
The Gambia |
1.00% |
In 2024, Africa’s top 10 solar markets accounted for 95% of the continent’s total new solar capacity.
South Africa led with 46%, followed by Egypt at 29%.
Other key contributors, including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Zambia, and Angola, each accounted for 3-4%, reflecting a diversification of solar investments across the continent. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast, Morocco, and The Gambia contributed 1-2%, signaling emerging participation in the sector.
While South Africa and Egypt remain the largest players, the growing presence of smaller markets indicates a broader shift towards decentralized solar development, fostering greater energy access and sustainability across Africa.
