• New 75 MW solar plant in South Africa adds to regional capacity growth

• Countries adopt different models to scale renewable energy

• Solar seen as key to easing a 4,200 MW regional power deficit

Southern Africa is accelerating its shift toward solar energy, as countries across the region expand capacity to address persistent power shortages.

In South Africa, Engie and Pele Green Energy announced the launch of the Graspan solar plant in the Northern Cape, according to a statement released on April 21. The 75 MW facility is now fully operational after several months of commercial activity.

The project was developed under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP), which allows private operators to finance and run grid-connected power plants. Alongside the Grootspruit project in the Free State, also developed by Engie, the two sites bring a combined 150 MW of solar capacity to the national grid.

Graspan is already supplying electricity, a key step as South Africa works to close supply gaps and build a more resilient power system, said Sanjeev Mungroo, managing director for renewables and batteries at Engie South Africa.

Beyond South Africa, solar development is gaining pace across the region, though approaches vary. In South Africa, structured programs like REIPPPP have enabled large-scale private sector participation to supply both the grid and industrial demand. Since its launch in 2011, the program has brought more than 7,300 MW online across 95 independent power projects, according to grantZA.

In countries such as Zambia, progress has been driven more directly by public policy, with a focus on reducing reliance on hydropower and strengthening energy security. Zambia had set a target of installing 1,000 MW of solar capacity by 2025. In April 2026, it launched a 250 MWp solar project with Globeleq and signed additional agreements, including a 100 MW hybrid solar-wind project with DZGM Energy Resources.

Southern Africa continues to face a structural imbalance between electricity supply and demand. The Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), which coordinates power exchanges among 12 countries, needs to close an estimated 4,200 MW generation gap, according to Engineering News.

As solar projects come online across the region, these efforts are expected to help narrow that deficit and strengthen the reliability of electricity systems.

Abdoullah Diop