• African solar capacity is projected to increase by 42% in 2025.
• The continent expects to add 23 GW of solar by 2028, more than doubling current capacity.
• Solar currently accounts for only 3% of Africa's electricity production despite vast resources.

Global new solar energy capacity reached 380 GW in the first half of 2025, marking a 64% increase year-on-year, according to the Think Tank Ember. China led this surge, accounting for 67% of installations during the period, ahead of India and the United States.

Africa currently contributes a smaller share to this global boom. However, the continent is preparing to scale up its efforts. Africa installed only 2.4 GW of solar power in 2024. The market is expected to grow by 42% in 2025, according to the Global Solar Council (GSC). The GSC's "Africa Market Outlook for Solar PV 2025-2028" report estimates the continent will add an additional 23 GW by 2028, more than doubling its current capacity.

Eighteen countries in Africa expect to surpass 100 MW of installed solar capacity in 2025. This broader adoption of solar energy facilitates projects across the continent, supporting demographic growth and electricity demand. Despite this promising outlook, photovoltaics currently represent only 3% of African electricity production. The GSC estimates that Africa holds 60% of the world's best solar resources.

Within this context and as part of the global initiative to triple renewable capacities by 2030, Africa must accelerate the exploitation of its potential.

This article was initially published in French by Abdoullah Diop

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum