Africa has passed a symbolic 20 gigawatt-peak (GWp) solar capacity milestone, with momentum building as more than 10 GWp of new capacity is in the pipeline, according to the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA).
By the numbers
- 20+ GWp — total installed solar capacity across Africa as of H1 2025.
- 10+ GWp — currently under construction across the continent.
- 40,000 — solar projects tracked in AFSIA’s database.
Zoom in
- South Africa leads the continent, accounting for roughly half of installed capacity.
- North Africa’s heavyweights — Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia — round out the top four.
- In 2025, Southern Africa drove most new capacity, with Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia joining South Africa’s surge.
- Senegal stood out in West Africa, adding 54 MWp year-to-date.
What’s next:
- Algeria is ramping up after years of inactivity, pushing a 3 GW program across 20 projects — several expected online before year-end.
- Utility-scale projects make up 70% of current construction, a shift from post-COVID years when commercial and industrial (C&I) solar led growth.
- Construction activity is now more geographically spread, with Algeria, Egypt, Angola, Tunisia, and Zambia joining South Africa as top hotspots.
The big picture
- While Europe and the U.S. face solar slowdowns — SEIA reports a 7% year-over-year drop in U.S. installations — Africa’s market is accelerating.
- Africa saw a 44% jump in new capacity in 2024, building on 2023’s 22% growth.
Industry spotlight
The growth trajectory will be a focal point at REFA – Renewable Energy Forum Africa, set for Dec. 3–4 in Accra, organized by AFSIA and SolarPower Europe with GET.invest.
Between the lines
AFSIA’s solar database — tracking over 38,000 projects — is one of the industry’s most comprehensive, offering granular market intelligence for members and stakeholders.
