Solar installations in Africa grow by 54% in 2025, marking record growth phase

Africa’s solar market is currently experiencing an unprecedented phase of growth, with a remarkable 54% increase in installations in 2025 compared to the previous year. This surge in solar capacity is not limited to just a few countries; in fact, eight African nations installed over 100 MW of solar capacity in 2025, up from just four countries in 2024. This diversification of deployment across multiple regions signifies a significant expansion of the solar market in Africa.

A notable aspect of the current growth trajectory is the rapid rise of distributed solar systems. While utility-scale projects have historically dominated, distributed solar installations, including rooftop, commercial, and captive systems, now represent 44% of new capacity additions. Surprisingly, these distributed systems are often undercounted in official statistics, suggesting that actual deployment levels may be substantially higher than reported.

The growth in Africa’s solar sector is being fueled by two simultaneous transitions. Firstly, governments are pushing forward grid-connected utility-scale projects through public procurement and power purchase agreement schemes. Secondly, privately financed rooftop and commercial installations are on the rise under different financing structures and policy conditions. Both these pathways are scaling up rapidly, contributing to the overall momentum of the sector.

Looking ahead, Africa’s solar capacity is projected to reach over 33 GW by 2029, representing more than six times the capacity added in 2025. This growth will be driven by the expansion of both distributed and utility-scale markets across a larger number of countries in the region. Additionally, there is a growing focus on integrating solar with energy storage to enhance grid stability and bolster energy security.

The Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) has also reported significant solar capacity additions in 2025. The association tracked over 42,000 solar projects, identifying a minimum of 2.4 GW of solar capacity installed during the year. This reflects a 26% increase in operating capacity from the previous year, highlighting the rapid growth of the solar industry in Africa.

Moreover, AFSIA revised its 2024 installation figures upward, underscoring the continuous expansion of the solar sector on the continent. Chinese export data further suggests that Africa’s actual installed solar capacity could be notably higher than official figures indicate, potentially reaching up to 63.9 GW. This altered perspective positions Africa as a key player in the global energy transition, with significant potential for further growth in the solar market.

In conclusion, Africa’s solar market is evolving at a rapid pace, with substantial increases in installations and capacity. The continent’s solar sector is becoming more diversified, dynamic, and expansive than previously recognized, positioning Africa as an influential player in the global renewable energy landscape.