• The world’s renewable energy capacity grew by 582 GW in 2024 but still falls short of the 2030 tripling target.

• Africa’s renewable capacity increased only 7.2% in 2024, half the global average growth rate, capturing just 1.57% of global capacity.

• Sub-Saharan Africa must triple its renewable capacity by 2030 to meet energy access needs and climate goals, but current progress risks leaving it behind.

The world aims to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. However, the current pace remains too slow, especially in Africa, where accelerating solar and wind deployment is critical to achieving universal electricity access.

In 2024, global renewable capacity jumped by a historic 582 gigawatts (GW). Still, the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) latest "Renewable Energy Statistics 2025" report shows the world falls short of the COP28 target. The planet’s capacity grew from 3,860 GW in 2023 to 4,442 GW in 2024, a 15.1% increase. Yet, at this rate, the world will reach only 10.3 terawatts (TW) by 2030, missing the 11.2 TW goal. IRENA warns the world must sustain an average annual growth of 16.6% to close this gap.

Africa lags behind even more. The continent’s renewable capacity rose from 65 GW to 69.9 GW in one year, a 7.2% increase—just half the global average. Consequently, Africa held only 1.57% of global renewable capacity in 2024. Meanwhile, Asia captured 71% of new installations, driven largely by solar power, a resource Africa has in abundance.

The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) report "COP28 Tripling Renewable Capacity Pledge" highlights the scale of the challenge. Sub-Saharan Africa must reach 166 GW of installed renewable capacity by 2030. This requires multiplying its current base by 3.2. At the current pace, the region risks falling behind, threatening its share in the global energy transition and its ability to reduce a massive electricity deficit.

Nearly 565 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack electricity, according to the World Bank. Deploying renewable solutions, especially decentralized solar power, is essential to close this gap.

Tripling global renewable capacity by 2030 is more than a number. It is a vital step to limit climate warming, strengthen energy security, and create sustainable jobs. For Africa, the challenge is even more urgent because of its climate vulnerability and energy shortfall. Without a coordinated and accelerated effort, this goal will remain out of reach, and the global energy transition will not be fair or inclusive.

This article was initially published in French by Abdoullah Diop

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum