Solar energy experienced unprecedented development in Africa in 2025
Solar energy installations surged by 54% in Africa in 2025, marking the largest annual deployment on the continent as reported by the Global Solar Council.
In 2025, Africa witnessed an unprecedented 54% growth in solar energy installations, as highlighted by a report from the Global Solar Council. This development marks the highest recorded annual deployment of solar power across the continent, signifying a transformative shift in the energy landscape. Once limited to a few pioneering countries, the solar energy initiative has now spread across various regions of Africa, highlighting a growing commitment to renewable energy solutions.
Significantly, nations such as South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria led the charge, achieving the highest number of solar panel installations. However, the trend is also gaining momentum in countries like Morocco, Botswana, Zambia, and Chad, each of which has installed nearly 100 megawatts of solar capacity. This expansion has positively impacted the electricity supply for tens of thousands of residents, illustrating how solar energy is becoming a vital component of the continent's power infrastructure beyond just large-scale solar farms.
The rapid expansion of solar energy installations is largely driven by the unreliability of traditional energy networks, especially in rural areas where these networks are often non-existent. Many households are turning to solar solutions as a reliable means of electricity access, enabling them to meet their energy needs sustainably. This shift not only addresses immediate power shortages but also positions African countries towards a more resilient and self-sufficient energy future through renewable sources.