• Algeria commissioned 400 megawatts of new solar photovoltaic capacity in 2025, placing it among Africa’s top 10 solar markets.

• Africa added about 4.5 gigawatts of solar capacity in 2025, marking a record 54% year-on-year increase.

• Algeria remains far from its target of installing 15 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2030.

In 2025, Algeria commissioned 400 megawatts of new solar photovoltaic capacity, according to data from the Global Solar Council. This volume placed the country among the ten African markets that contributed the most to solar PV deployment during the year.

According to the report Africa Market Outlook for Solar PV: 2026–2029, published on Tuesday, February 3, Africa recorded its strongest annual expansion on record in 2025. The continent increased installed solar capacity by 54% compared with 2024. Developers added a total of about 4.5 gigawatts of new capacity across Africa.

Despite this progress, Algeria remains significantly behind its renewable energy development targets. Authorities have set a goal of installing 15 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2030, according to official data relayed by Agence Ecofin in August 2025.

At the same time, natural gas continues to dominate Algeria’s power system and accounts for more than 99% of national electricity generation. Authorities have launched several programs to support renewable energy development, particularly solar photovoltaic projects, through public tenders and initiatives led by state-owned companies.

After assuming leadership of Sonatrach in October 2025, Noureddine Daoudi announced plans to involve the state-owned energy group in Algeria’s energy transition. He said the company would invest in renewable energy while maintaining its core focus on hydrocarbons.

This article was initially published in French by Abdel-Latif Boureima

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM